2023.12.29
Construction industry enthusiastic about robot application
In a recent surge of technology innovation, the construction industry is undergoing a monumental transformation, where metal arms and artificial intelligence are set to lay the bricks for the future. At the helm of embracing the integration of robotics, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) takes an active role in facilitating industry stakeholders to gear up and be future-ready. Workshops showcasing ready-to-market construction robots were organised for industry stakeholders to evaluate their capability before adoption, and provide training and education in using the construction robots.
5th October 2023 marked a pivotal moment in this journey of transformation, as the CIC hosted a kickoff seminar, having introduced 21 advanced construction robots from 13 exhibitors to over 160 industry professionals. This event marked an important step towards the integration of robotics into construction, showcasing the practical applications of advanced technology in real-world settings. The following workshops, spanning from 5th to 18th October 2023, offered in-depth explorations and demonstrations of these technologies. A total of 68 organisations and 425 participants were engaged in 4 full-day and 7 selected workshops, along with 13 demonstration tours. The objective was to offer a hands-on experience and to understand the capabilities and benefits of each robotic solution.
Feedbacks from stakeholders are overwhelmingly positive. They found these sessions instrumental in identifying the most promising robotic applications for the construction industry. Participants rated the material handling robot, painting robot, building survey robot, and inspection drone as the top performers that have the potential to change the game. The material handling robot can carry heavy stuff all over a building site, smartly avoiding obstacles and making sure everything is where it needs to be. The painting robot can paint walls quickly and evenly. With the building survey robot, the surface leveling of the room can be obtained with just one click. The inspection drone flies overhead, hovering around a construction site, taking pictures and videos to check on progress and make sure everything is on track. This direct feedback is key to improving and refining robotic technology tailored to the industry's needs.
To further support the dissemination of information and ensure long-term access to the resources, the CIC will upload brochures and training videos to Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre (CITAC) website to inform i-Club members about the latest advancements and to provide guidance on the adoption of robotic technologies.
Looking ahead, the CIC will organise the Global Construction Robotics Day in May 2024. This day is poised to be more than a celebration - it will be a global acknowledgment of the leaps taken by the industry and the role of robotics in shaping the world we build. Through these initiatives, the CIC is not only showcasing cutting-edge technologies but is also actively contributing to the education and adoption of robotics in the industry. The CIC's forward-thinking approach paves the way for new standards of efficiency and innovation in construction processes.