Computer-aided design systems (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) disrupted the construction industry when first introduced in the 1970s and 80s, respectively. While both piqued considerable interest, it wasn’t until twenty years later that the technology began its rapid ascent to adoption. For many workers, these technologies remain the sole software used on their construction sites. In a primarily analogous business still relying heavily on pen-and-paper, boots-on-the-ground operations, it’s challenging to find those willing to change their traditional workflows and invest in new technologies necessary for growth. But for those adventurous enough to challenge conventional methods, construction robots, powered by drone data, present ample opportunities for time, cost, and labor savings.
Photo Credit: Construction Review Online.
Automate Tasks & Increase Productivity
It’s no secret that the construction industry faces a labor shortage at a scale in which we’ve never seen. This well-documented phenomenon is due to a myriad of factors: an aging workforce, lack of incoming skilled workers, higher project costs, and competing, attractive industries acting as the foremost preference for a younger workforce. In order to directly combat these challenges, companies in both the public and private sectors will need to automate tasks to withstand demand.
With robots at the forefront of this effort, the potential for productivity skyrockets. By streamlining inspections, authorizations, and troubleshooting with drones, robots, and other software, the critical workers one has on hand are free to take on other tasks. In fact, in a study by IndustryWeek, those that engaged robots for lower-level tasks increased organizational productivity by up to 30%.
Boston Dynamics' SPOT robot at work.
Lower Costs & Improve Safety
Utilizing innovative technologies on-site brings more than just productivity benefits – it also means safer, less expensive projects. With fewer workers in dangerous conditions, operating heavy machinery, or even just working long, physically demanding positions, the risk of accidents plummets. As 30% of all national workplace injuries are construction-related, increasing safety measures with autonomous devices can make a significant difference.
In tandem, as one does not have to pay a robot an hourly wage, using these robots for menial tasks lowers overall operating costs. Discover how top 25 ENR construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie manages risk on-site and minimizes labor costs with Boston Dynamics’ SPOT robot here.
Automation is the next wave of construction innovation. By complementing laborers’ work with automated analysis or other intelligent technologies, organizations can streamline time-consuming, necessary tasks and free up this space for skilled craftsmanship. In the short term, these robots can supplement the industry’s labor shortage, but they will attract new, younger workers in the long term. With both cost and safety benefits, these sidekicks are well worth their initial investment.
If you’re interested in using DroneDeploy for your construction operations, contact us, or for more information, watch our webinar on test automation on your job sites.