The larger a construction project is, the more complicated it is going to be to manage. Small oversights or errors can lead to exponentially greater losses in time and money.
Doxel, a new construction productivity solution, claims to simplify the construction management process to help avoid these costly loses. Doxel’s preferred solution? Robots equipped with new artificial intelligence-based computer vision software.
In addition to drones capturing the site from above, Doxel uses rovers to comb through the site and gain the most accurate, up-to-date information. Part WALL-E, part MSE-6 mouse droid from “Star Wars,” Doxel’s self-directing robots survey building sites each day to capture HD imagery and laser scans at all stages of construction. The robots can traverse uneven terrain, multiple terrain types such as rock, concrete, or dirt, and can even climb stairs. Once in the correct position, the robot will stop and take a 360-degree scan of a space before moving on to the next area.
Courtesy Doxel.
Working behind the software is a 3D semantic understanding algorithm developed by Doxel. This algorithm classifies objects in real-world construction environments with a high level of reliability. 3D computer vision was used because a 3D neural network, theoretically, requires fewer datasets for training than 2D. This new computer vision algorithm avoids the issues commonly associated with scans such as occlusion and poor visibility. It also is able to interpret clutter from installed materials.
Doxel’s algorithms classify installed components and measure quantities in real-time. This data is then cross-referenced with the project estimate to provide instant feedback of where a project stands financially. The software calculates earned value for thousands of line items to provide an exact amount owed for a day’s work.
Courtesy Doxel.
Doxel also tracks model-to-field deviations instantly to catch and correct errors early, before they cost time and money to rectify. The AI software deep links to the project schedule and detects when a crew falls behind. Alerts are sent via an integrated app notifying everyone of the delay so managers can re-prioritize and optimize labor
productivity.
Integrated cloud software makes it easy to track progress over time for things like plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. In one case study, Doxel increased productivity by 38% and helped the project team deliver the project 11% under budget.
Related Stories
| Dec 6, 2013
French concert hall includes integrated musical elements [VIDEO]
La Métaphone, a concert hall in Ognies, France, is a 1,980-sm facility with the unique characteristic of being a structural musical instrument. The solar-powered building incorporates musical elements in its walls, which can be played by musicians inside or outside the facility.
| Dec 5, 2013
Exclusive BD+C survey shows reaction to Sandy Hook tragedy
More than 60% of AEC professionals surveyed by BD+C said their firms experienced heightened interest in security measures from school districts they worked with.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.
| Nov 27, 2013
University reconstruction projects: The 5 keys to success
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the environmental, economic, and market pressures affecting facility planning for universities and colleges, and outlines current approaches to renovations for critical academic spaces.
| Nov 26, 2013
Construction costs rise for 22nd straight month in November
Construction costs in North America rose for the 22nd consecutive month in November as labor costs continued to increase, amid growing industry concern over the tight availability of skilled workers.
| Nov 19, 2013
Top 10 green building products for 2014
Assa Abloy's power-over-ethernet access-control locks and Schüco's retrofit façade system are among the products to make BuildingGreen Inc.'s annual Top-10 Green Building Products list.
| Nov 15, 2013
Greenbuild 2013 Report - BD+C Exclusive
The BD+C editorial team brings you this special report on the latest green building trends across nine key market sectors.
| Nov 15, 2013
Metal makes its mark on interior spaces
Beyond its long-standing role as a preferred material for a building’s structure and roof, metal is making its mark on interior spaces as well.
| Nov 14, 2013
Behind the build: BD+C's 'Pedia-Pod' modular pediatric patient unit at Greenbuild 2013 [slideshow]
Next week at Greenbuild, BD+C will unveil its demonstration pediatric patient unit, called Pedia-Pod. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of this unique modular structure.
| Nov 13, 2013
Installed capacity of geothermal heat pumps to grow by 150% by 2020, says study
The worldwide installed capacity of GHP systems will reach 127.4 gigawatts-thermal over the next seven years, growth of nearly 150%, according to a recent report from Navigant Research.