In addition to the assigned source I found an article through the library's website entitled "Construction Robotics". It provided information mostly on the application of robotics in prefabrication in Germany and Japan, but also touched on their use on-site in both construction and for providing services such as painting. While the AccessScience article detailed the mechanics of how robotics worked in their different forms, this article focused more on the applications and what areas show promise.
While robotics have been shown to greatly increase the productivity of construction, this still only applies when there are repeated operations. On projects or parts of projects where there are increasingly complex and unique construction requirements, robotics are still greatly lacking, and I am skeptical as to how practical they will ever be in this respect. I don't foresee a day when a building can go from inception to move-in-ready entirely automatically. However, the advantages of automation are clearly evident in reduction of waste and increased speed of construction.
I believe that robotics will reach their fullest potential not by creating robots which can adapt to any situation, but by making inexpensive robots that are designed specifically for its purpose and project, wherein a major building would commission custom robotics which are uniquely designed for that specific building.
You have a valid point saying that building will not be constructed entirely by robotics. I do believe, that pre-manufacturing will grow a great deal though. And in the end, construction teams will be constructing large pre-assembled building systems instead putting a structure up from scratch.
ReplyDeleteYou also have a very interesting point about project-specific robotics. I agree, considering how fast this technology advances and cost drops, it will be easier to produce custom robotics to assist construction process. I wonder if this will create another branch of sub-contractors, specializing in robotics or if this task will fall to architects and engineers?
I think the three of us are in agreement on this specific point; that the building industry will never be controlled by robots from cradle-to-grave. However, I am not sure if we are correct in saying "will never" as opposed to "should never." Obviously, some amount of human input would be necessary at start-up of any given project, and to run maintenance/oversight, but in terms of what robots will be able to accomplish... that is entirely based on cost. If in 15-20 years - or however long it takes - robots are more cost effective than humans, developers, owners, buildings (whoever is footing the cost) is going to make that replacement to save as much money as possible. We as engineers, architects and designers hope that there will always be a place for us in the industry, but there may come a day when we just aren't as efficient.
ReplyDeleteI think you, John, are right to say that you can't forsee a day when this transition will occur, but I would like to offer some perspective on the issue. Consider the automobile industry, which today is almost completely automated. How long did that take to occur? I'll be it started out as a few robots who could mill holes, etc.. faster than humans could do so manually, but that people were still needed to facilitate the entire process. Now, they are built on an assembly line by mechanical arms, drills and other robotic tools.
Buildings an other infrastructure are definitely more complex projects than cars, so realistically any similar transition should take more time to occur and become ingrained. Still I think the day could come. In the meantime, I agree that we will see more "task-specific" as well as "project-specfic" robots. At what point is there a reasonable or optimum mixture of robotic and human collaboration. In a money driven atmosphere, that relationship will likely never be static, and I am concerned about the job cost that might incur.
I think you are right that the construction of buildings will never be completely automated and done by robots. I believe that robotics will be created and used to increase the efficiency of construction. Initially these technologies may be on the expensive side but will save money in the long run by decreasing the chance of error and the need for human action. I think creating robots that are able to adapt and interact with its surroundings may be useful and help robotics reach its full potential.
ReplyDelete