Automation in construction is the combination of methods, processes, and systems that allow for greater machine autonomy in construction activities. Construction automation may have multiple goals, including but not limited to, reducing

jobsite A workplace is a location where someone works, for their employer or themselves, a place of employment. Such a place can range from a home office to a large office building or factory. For industrialized societies, the workplace is one of the ...

injuries, decreasing activity completion times, and assisting with

quality control Quality control (QC) is a process by which entities review the quality of all factors involved in production. ISO 9000 defines quality control as "a part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements". This approach places ...

and

quality assurance Quality assurance (QA) is the term used in both manufacturing and service industries to describe the systematic efforts taken to ensure that the product(s) delivered to customer(s) meet with the contractual and other agreed upon performance, design ...

. Some systems may be fielded as a direct response to increasing skilled labor shortages in some countries. Opponents claim that increased automation may lead to less construction jobs and that software leaves

heavy equipment Heavy equipment or heavy machinery refers to heavy-duty vehicles specially designed to execute construction tasks, most frequently involving earthwork operations or other large construction tasks. ''Heavy equipment'' usually comprises five e ...

vulnerable to

hackers A hacker is a person skilled in information technology who uses their technical knowledge to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle, within a computerized system by non-standard means. Though the term ''hacker'' has become associated in popu ...

Transportation Construction

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc, (), headquartered in San Diego, California, is an American technology company specializing in directed-energy weapons, unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electro ...

fielded the world’s first Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) in 2017, in conjunction with Royal Truck & Equipment.

Uses of Automation in Construction

# Equipment control and management: Automation can be used to control and monitor construction equipment, such as cranes, excavators, and bulldozers. # Material handling: Automated systems can be used to handle, transport, and place materials such as concrete, bricks, and stones. # Surveying: Automated survey equipment and drones can be used to collect and analyze data on construction sites. # Quality control: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control the quality of materials and construction processes. # Safety management: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control safety conditions on construction sites. # Scheduling and planning: Automated systems can be used to manage schedules, resources, and costs. # Waste management: Automated systems can be used to manage and dispose of waste materials generated during construction. # 3D printing: Automated 3D printing can be used to create prototypes, models, and even full-scale building components.

Benefits of Automation in Construction

The use of automation in construction has become increasingly prevalent in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Automation in construction refers to the use of machinery, software, and other technologies to perform tasks that were previously done manually by workers. One of the most significant benefits of automation in construction is increased productivity. Automation can help speed up construction processes, reduce project completion times, and improve overall efficiency. For example, using automated machinery for tasks such as concrete pouring, bricklaying, and welding can significantly increase the speed and accuracy of these tasks, allowing for more work to be completed in a shorter amount of time. Another benefit of automation in construction is improved safety. By automating tasks that are hazardous to workers, such as demolition or working at height, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on site. Automation can also help to reduce worker fatigue, which can be a significant factor in accidents and mistakes. Overall, the use of automation in construction can improve productivity, reduce costs, increase safety, and improve the quality of construction projects. As technology continues to advance, the use of automation is likely to become even more prevalent in the construction industry.

References

Automation in construction Internet of things Machine learning Applications of artificial intelligence Heavy equipment Self-driving cars {{engineering-stub