Term Project - Robotics in Construction

As Maria Gonzalez mentioned in her blog, we chose to write a paper about Robotics in Construction. Robotics is a highly developed technology and it is starting to be a big part of the construction industry due to the increased efficiency and productivity. Robots often perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or distasteful which could potentially create safety hazards for humans. Additionally, from the business point of view, robots can work anytime without long breaks.

The paper will focus on the present and the future of the industrial robots. There are already robots involved in the construction industry; the wall and brick assembly robots, the tele-operated concrete distribution robots, and automated building construction systems. As mentioned above, there are many tasks that could potentially result in dangerous situations; robots can perform arc welding of metal components of building frames, insulation and application of adhesives or sealants to building materials such as windows.The use of robotics in the construction industry can result in an unlimited number of applications and capabilities. We all have heard about the 30-story hotel built in 15 days in China.

The paper will also discuss the social impacts of employing robots in the construction industry. There is a lot of discussion around this topic and whether robots will replace the human workforce or not. According to Sam Stathis, an electrical contractor, inventor and CEO of Theometrics, there will be plenty of jobs for everyone. However, there are other people that think robots will take over.

I believe that Robotics and Intelligent Buildings are closely related to one another. As John Scanlon mentions in his blog, we have to find solutions in order to increase the efficiency of the buildings. Although he is talking about existing buildings, it is very true for new construction as well and robotics can rapidly increase the efficiency of the buildings.


Sources:
Healey, John. November 2012. Coming Soon: Robots that Help Build Buildings. <http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/13/news/la-ol-theometrics-robots-not-my-enemy-20121113>