Trends We Will See in the Construction Robotics Industry

The construction industry is highly labor-intensive. But in the last few years, this sector has adopted advanced technologies for efficient construction operations, workforce safety, and enhanced productivity. The construction robotics market, especially, has witnessed massive growth as businesses are leveraging this smart technology to increase the speed and quality of their work.

Incorporating the latest technologies and advancements and proper strategic planning can save significant time, energy, and resources while facilitating meticulous construction. As per Straits Research, the value of the construction robotics market was 50 million USD in 2021. It is expected to grow with a CAGR of 14% and reach 164 million USD by 2030.

Here are some trends we will see in the construction robotics industry in the upcoming times.

Construction Robotics Trends in 2022 and Beyond

Robotics provides construction businesses with high-quality operational capabilities and enhances safety, reducing risks to human lives. Consequently, the construction process gets streamlined, and productivity improves.

The key focus areas in the construction industry that are already seeing an impact by robots include:

New Construction Applications

Robots help automate traditional construction processes with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and complete challenging jobs quicker. Robotics devices will continue assisting construction professionals in major application areas like:

Demolition

Demolition is an essential part of the construction industry. However, advanced robotic systems steer demotolition tasks more efficiently. With advanced features like wireless remote control, heat resistance, and environmental sensing capabilities, they handle difficult-to-reach areas and extreme environments. In the future, these construction robots will take over the demolition aspect and shift towards leaner construction practices.

3D Printing

As sustainable construction continues to trend, 3D printing methods are increasingly becoming popular as they save considerable production costs on material waste while shortening the construction time.

3D printing using construction robots helps produce parts of construction projects using sequential layering of construction materials with advanced computer programming and artificial intelligence technology. It is being widely used all over the world and has helped in the realization of some spectacular construction projects. For example, the first 3D printed footbridge in the Netherlands was created using robotic arms within six months. This trend will bring new forms into construction, pushing the boundaries of technologies.

Surveillance

Construction requires frequent site surveillance, inspection and monitoring, and multiple assessments during various project stages. Robotics technology provides comprehensive security and surveillance solutions with remote video monitoring and drone technology. As per studies, the global market for security robots will grow by 20% more over the next five years.

Improved Worker Safety

Construction workers often work in unstable environments like extreme temperatures or heavy chemical presence that involve high-risk and safety hazards. These working environments can lead to critical health issues and sometimes even fatalities.

Automated robots address this concern area with frequent risk assessments, automatic relaying of critical information, and faster emergency response without sacrificing project efficiency or deadlines.

Construction safety is a promising area for robotics applications. Sensory data acquisition and processing offer better control and coordination of different construction activities, resulting in improved operational efficiency and occupational safety.

Thus, incorporating robotics technology for construction safety will keep increasing and help associated businesses with effective risk management.

Better Construction Capabilities

The McKinsey report states that about 98% of megaprojects exceed the estimated budget by more than 30%, and 77% of projects are not completed on time. There is an increasing drive to reduce construction time, high costs, and extensive resources associated with construction projects.

These demands have led to the growth of construction robotics, as they can enhance construction capabilities immensely. For example, a Japan-based robotics firm is working on developing a humanoid robot for carrying out granular construction tasks replicating human actions.

Construction Robotics: A True Game-Changer

The construction industry will continue exploring using robots to elevate best practices and quality standards and simplify workflow. Robotics will inevitably become an integral part of off-site and on-site construction project activities and absorb the ever-increasing demands of the associated market.

At Hokuyo, we are at the forefront of building robust sensing products for factory, logistics, and process automation industries. From obstacle detection, safety lasers, and crane collision avoidance to optical data transmission, our high-quality sensors support a broad range of applications specific to construction robotics.

Explore our lineup of sensor products, or get in touch with us to learn more about our capabilities.