- Built Robotics converts any excavator into an autonomous robotic digger
- The HEAP machine autonomously builds walls, one boulder at a time
- SafeAI unveils the first autonomous haul truck that runs on electric power
A quiet but powerful shift is underway in the world of construction. The once-familiar sight of human operators handling heavy machinery is slowly giving way to a new breed of workers: autonomous machines. These sophisticated entities, equipped with sensors, cameras, and intelligent software, are proving to be more than a mere novelty. Rather, they are becoming an integral part of the construction process. The rise of autonomous construction machinery is not a sudden phenomenon. It results from years of research and development to improve efficiency, safety, and precision on construction sites. From self-driving bulldozers that can grade terrain with millimetre precision to robotic bricklayers capable of constructing walls faster than their human counterparts, these machines are demonstrating their worth across a range of applications. The construction industry is facing increasing pressure to build more with less financial resources, making the adoption of autonomous machinery an attractive solution. By reducing the need for human labour in hazardous or repetitive tasks, these machines improve safety and enable construction firms to optimise their workforce, focusing human talent on tasks that require critical thinking and creativity. This article will explore the fascinating world of autonomous construction machinery and its potential to reshape the industry. We will examine the key players in the space, the technologies that make these machines possible, and the challenges we must overcome to realise their full potential.
“I think the future of construction definitely is looking towards more autonomous machines. If you can eliminate any sort of accidents, a lot of companies are going to go towards the autonomous way”.
Clayton Maute, a certified Robotic Equipment Operator (ROE)
Built Robotics converts any excavator into an autonomous robotic digger
Excavation — the process of digging and moving earth — is the foundation upon which every construction project rests. It is a crucial step that lays the groundwork for everything that follows, from towering skyscrapers to sprawling suburban developments. Despite its importance, however, this process is often overlooked and viewed as a menial task that anyone with a machine can perform. In reality, excavation is fraught with challenges and risks. It is a time-consuming process that can easily be derailed by human error, bad weather, and unforeseen obstacles. If a mistake is made, it can quickly turn into a costly and time-consuming drain on resources. This is where construction tech firm Built Robotic’s autonomous excavator comes in. The company has developed a machine that leverages cutting-edge technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and advanced sensors to conduct digging operations with unparallelled accuracy and consistency. The excavator is equipped with a sophisticated ‘Exosystem’ that allows it to navigate the job site, avoid obstacles, and complete tasks with minimal human intervention.
There are numerous potential benefits to adopting this technology. For instance, it could significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on construction sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, with thousands of workers suffering injuries or fatalities every year. By removing humans from the equation, autonomous excavators can help mitigate these risks and create a safer working environment for everyone involved. However, safety is just one piece of the puzzle. Autonomous excavators also have the potential to improve efficiency and productivity on construction sites dramatically. By working around the clock, without the need for breaks or rest, these machines can complete tasks significantly more quickly than human operators. Because they are programmed to follow precise instructions, they can dig trenches and foundations with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk of costly errors and delays.
However, it’s essential to recognise that the current generation of autonomous excavators has limitations. The technology is still in its early stages, and there are some tasks that these machines still can’t perform. For example, the Built Robotics excavator can only dig trenches in straight lines, and remains reliant on human operators to set up the work area, define the parameters of the job, and supervise the process. Indeed, it cannot make complex decisions or adapt to unexpected changes in the environment. Moreover, there are concerns about job displacement, as well as questions about liability and regulation. Some worry that the widespread adoption of this technology could lead to the loss of jobs for skilled workers, while others question who would be held responsible in the event of an accident or malfunction. Despite these unaddressed concerns, proponents of the technology argue that it will ultimately create new opportunities for workers, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks that require human judgement and creativity. As Clayton Maute, one of the first certified Robotic Equipment Operators (ROE) in the United States, remarks on the matter, “I think the future of construction definitely is looking towards more autonomous machines. If you can eliminate any sort of accidents, a lot of companies, I think, are going to go towards the autonomous way”.
The HEAP machine autonomously builds walls, one boulder at a time
At first glance, HEAP (Hydraulic Excavator for an Autonomous Purpose) could reasonably be mistaken for a standard walking excavator — a machine that has been a staple of construction sites for decades. However, closer inspection reveals that this is no ordinary piece of equipment: beneath its rugged exterior lies a complex network of sensors and control systems, allowing it to perform tasks that were once the exclusive domain of human workers. One such task is the construction of dry-stone walls, a centuries-old technique that involves stacking boulders and stones without the use of mortar. It is a process that requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and an intuitive understanding of the properties of each stone. For a human worker, building a dry-stone wall is a slow, laborious process that demands both physical strength and mental acuity.
However, for HEAP — which was developed by a team from the ETH Zurich research institute — the process is somewhat different. Using a combination of LiDAR sensors, machine vision technology, and advanced algorithms, the robot is able to scan a construction site, create a detailed 3D map of the area, and locate the boulders that will be used to build the wall. It then carefully lifts each boulder, weighing it and analysing its shape and centre of gravity before determining the optimal placement for each stone. The result is a feat of engineering that would be impressive for any human worker, let alone a machine. In a series of building sessions, HEAP was able to construct a dry-stone wall that is 6 metres high and 65 metres long, placing between 20 and 30 boulders (each of which can weigh several tonnes) per session. Because the robot is able to use locally sourced materials, it can also eliminate the need to transport heavy stones from distant quarries, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
SafeAI unveils the first autonomous haul truck that runs on electric power
In a groundbreaking collaboration, SafeAI, a Santa Clara-based company specialising in autonomous heavy equipment retrofitting, has teamed up with Japanese construction giant Obayashi Corporation to introduce a one-of-a-kind haul truck that combines the best of both worlds: driverless operation and battery-electric power. This innovative fusion of cutting-edge technologies is set to redefine the future of construction, offering a glimpse into a world where heavy machinery not only operates autonomously but also leaves a minimal environmental footprint. Bibhrajit Halder, the visionary founder and CEO of SafeAI, emphasised the significance of this breakthrough, stating: “This is really the first time our truck got retrofitted from the ground up, both for electric and autonomous”. The successful integration of SafeAI’s autonomous technology with AVIA Engineering’s fully electric powertrain marks a significant milestone in the industry, demonstrating that existing vehicles can be successfully retrofitted into state-of-the-art, sustainable machines. By upcycling and enhancing their current assets, companies can adopt a greener, more efficient approach to construction without compromising on performance.
The combination of autonomy and battery-electric power offers several potential benefits, including improved safety, increased efficiency, and demonstrably better sustainability. Autonomous technology alone has the potential to improve environmental performance by up to 13 per cent. At the same time, replacing diesel with electricity can cut net lifecycle emissions by as much as 60 per cent. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of construction sites, this eco-friendly approach also contributes to a healthier, cleaner environment for workers and surrounding communities. Safety — a paramount concern in the construction industry — also receives a significant boost by removing human operators from potentially hazardous driving situations. In addition, the electric powertrain enhances the vehicle’s manoeuvrability, allowing it to navigate tight spaces with greater precision and control. This increased safety not only protects workers but also enables smoother, more efficient workflows on construction sites. “On the productivity side, there are two main parts, obviously on the energy efficiency you’re getting the fuel efficiency, but also because this truck runs much tighter. That’s because of the electrification”, explains Halder. “For autonomy, it is going to be on schedule and doing exactly what you wanted to do. Now you combine that you’re getting about 20 per cent more productivity”.
Closing thoughts
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of autonomous machinery and sustainable technologies is becoming increasingly crucial. There are clear benefits to autonomous construction technology, including improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. By removing human operators from hazardous tasks and optimising workflows, these machines have the power to transform construction sites into safer, more productive environments. However, the journey towards fully autonomous construction has its challenges. Questions surrounding worker displacement, liability, and regulation must be addressed before the technology can be realised at scale. The industry must work collaboratively to develop solutions that benefit both workers and companies, ensuring a smooth transition into this new era of construction. As we embark on this exciting journey, it is worth reflecting on the role that human ingenuity and creativity will continue to play in shaping our built environment. Will the rise of autonomous machinery ultimately lead to a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, where the unique strengths of each are harnessed to create a more vibrant and sustainable world? Or will it usher in a new era where the very nature of work and the role of human builders are fundamentally redefined?
