Daugava river, Latvia. A construction robot working where manual crews can’t reach.
Many technologies are being developed and implemented that will shape the future of this industry. Notably, the development of commercial robots can help automate many processes in the construction industry to improve efficiency, accuracy, and deal with the problem of the skilled labor shortage.
Unfortunately, commercial robots don’t play a significant role in the construction industry now. This is about to change, and the construction industry should be ready for a total takeover by industrial robots. In the light of anticipated changes, here the main ways through which robotics will disrupt the construction industry in this decade.
Lowering Operation Costs
Many businesses are installing robots to increase efficiency, speed, and lower operating costs. The construction industry is highly competitive, and business owners are looking for ways to reduce operational costs to remain competitive. There are many benefits of automating tasks in the construction industry, especially the repetitive and tedious ones.
One significant benefit is that it makes the process more efficient and less expensive in the long run. Also, industrial robots in construction industries take away the human aspect of human operations. The introduction of robots in this industry can be a game-changer because better craftmanship adds an extra layer of value to construction projects. Cobots may be the solution that the construction industry needs to lower its operating costs.
Improved Efficiency
Construction works are usually tedious, and they require a lot of concentration. With time, human workers get tired, burned out, or even bored with their work. These factors eventually affect the quality of their work. It’s no surprise that the construction industry has experienced a skilled labor shortage for many years now.
The best thing about introducing robots in this industry is that they won’t have any of these issues. Robots won’t get tired nor bored with their work. As long as they are programmed correctly, they will perform their tasks with the highest degree of efficiency. This will not only improve the outcome of the construction projects, but it will also increase productivity in the industry.
On-demand and Custom Development of Materials
A construction project undergoes many steps, right from planning, development, and the actual construction. For many years, these processes have remained manual, with little changes. The introduction of robots will change the current makeup by enabling the onsite development of materials.
The use of 3D-printing robots will enable the production of parts needed in the project, thus eliminating the need to transport these materials over long distances. It will also increase project turnaround since it reduces the delays involved in ordering materials for the project. The introduction of robots will also improve the quality of building and finishes since contractors can make changes with minimal loss of materials.
Logistics and Management
Besides simple robotics, the construction industry can utilize artificial intelligence and other software to handle logistics and management aspects of construction projects. The construction industry is still taking baby steps towards automating the logistics and management side of operations. Most of these tasks are still completed manually. The industrial players can take advantage of technological development to ensure prudent use of resources in a construction project.
The introduction of robots in the construction industry will not only improve productivity, but it will also enhance the safety of construction workers and streamline collaborative tasks and projects. Instead of suspending construction projects due to lack of skilled labor, robots will ensure these projects are completed as scheduled and within the stipulated budget.
