Robotics & Automation News

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Construction

Advanced Construction Robotics launches ‘world’s first’ rebar robot

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Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) has launched its second product, IronBOT, during ConExpo, the largest gathering of construction professionals in North America, held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

IronBOT augments construction crews by lifting, carrying, and placing up to 5,000-pound bundles of rebar in a transverse or longitudinal orientation without the need for heavy lifting from crew members.

When IronBOT is combined with TyBOT, ACR’s rebar-tying robot, this powerful BOT Bundle can typically provide 50% schedule savings during rebar installation. [Read more…] about Advanced Construction Robotics launches ‘world’s first’ rebar robot

Polymath Robotics and Hard-Line unveil autonomous bulldozer for construction industry

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Polymath Robotics and Hard-Line are proud to announce their collaboration on a solution for autonomous dozing.

In line with this collaboration, Hard-Line has been added to Polymath’s network of hardware integration partners, and Polymath has joined Hard-Line’s software integration ecosystem.

Hard-Line is a leading supplier of automation, teleoperation, and remote-control technology. No matter what type, make or model of machinery, Hard-Line can configure it to operate remotely. [Read more…] about Polymath Robotics and Hard-Line unveil autonomous bulldozer for construction industry

Autonomous construction equipment company Teleo signs up new customers and expands worldwide

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Teleo, a company building autonomous technology for heavy construction equipment, has agreed deals with construction customers John Aarts Group, Teichert and Tomahawk Construction for remote-operated wheel loaders, bulldozers, and dump trucks, respectively.

In addition, Teleo has announced the company is expanding globally through a new dealer partner network spanning across the United States, Europe and Canada with partners Dobbs Positioning Solutions, RDO Equipment, SMS Equipment and SR-O Technology.

Construction and mining work is skilled, physically demanding and often dangerous. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 91 percent of construction firms are having a hard time finding workers to hire, driving up costs and project delays. [Read more…] about Autonomous construction equipment company Teleo signs up new customers and expands worldwide

International Union of Operating Engineers and Built Robotics renew training partnership

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Built Robotics, the inventor of the Exosystem, which is said to convert excavators into robots, has renewed its partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

The renewal extends the strategic partnership through 2026, and will continue to put union members in the driver’s seat of construction automation.

James Callahan, general president of the IUOE, says: “Together with Built Robotics, we have pioneered a model of engagement between the Union and advanced technology providers to give our members continued opportunities to learn and develop their careers. [Read more…] about International Union of Operating Engineers and Built Robotics renew training partnership

Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

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ABB has delivered advanced automation and digital technologies to global building materials and sustainable solutions company Votorantim Cimentos, as it embraces Industry 4.0 in cement to simultaneously optimize production and decarbonize operations.

Industrial companies, including Votorantim Cimentos Europe, Asia and Africa Region (VCEAA) – which has the worldwide capacity to produce 55.7 million tons of cement per annum, are ramping up their efforts to ensure lower emissions as governments and international organizations push for net-zero emissions by 2030.

Digital solutions ABB Ability Expert Optimizer and ABB Ability Knowledge Manager have recently been installed in the customer’s plants in Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco with proven impacts for enhanced productivity, streamlined processes, reduced maintenance and energy savings. [Read more…] about Global cement producer Votorantim Cimentos achieves multi-site digitalization with ABB

Construction robotics company Kewazo raises $10 million in Series A funding

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Kewazo, a construction robotics startup, has closed its $10 million Series A funding round, bringing the total funds raised to date to approximately $20 million.

The round was led by Fifth Wall, with notable participation from Cybernetix Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures as well as the construction software company Nemetschek.

Existing investors True Ventures and MIG Capital also participated in the round. This round comes on the heels of Kewazo’s $5 million Pre-Series A that closed in September 2021. [Read more…] about Construction robotics company Kewazo raises $10 million in Series A funding

Built Robotics acquires Roin Technologies to expand beyond autonomous earthmoving

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Built Robotics, a construction autonomy company and inventor of the Exosystem, which “turns any excavator into a robot”, is acquiring Roin Technologies, the maker of the what is claimed to be the “first automated concrete power trowel”.

The acquisition will grow the capabilities of Built’s engineering team and accelerate key technological developments to expand automation beyond construction into new applications and markets.

Noah Ready-Campbell, founder and CEO of Built Robotics, says: “Since their founding, Roin’s team has pushed the boundaries of construction autonomy, which has created a unique expertise in our industry. [Read more…] about Built Robotics acquires Roin Technologies to expand beyond autonomous earthmoving

Top 5 Benefits of Prefab Steel Buildings

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Building a new structure from the ground up can be a huge undertaking. But prefab steel buildings are rising in popularity, and for good reasons.

More people are turning to steel prefabs to create structures for various purposes. Read on if you want to know more about prefab steel buildings and their advantages. [Read more…] about Top 5 Benefits of Prefab Steel Buildings

SRI unveils autonomous digger for construction sites

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SRI, a technology development company founded in 1946 by Stanford University, has unveiled an autonomous digger for construction sites and other similar heavy-duty applications. (See video below.)

The “smart excavator” can be operated remotely and comes with an augmented reality system which makes the process secure, more convenient, and “as easy as playing a video game”.

SRI likens it to the Nintendo Wii, saying the control system only takes “a couple of minutes to master”, adding that, by giving excavators a “robotification upgrade”, the operator doesn’t need to be in the driver’s seat and can even “operate the machinery from anywhere around the world”. [Read more…] about SRI unveils autonomous digger for construction sites

SafeAI and Obayashi demonstrate autonomous vehicle on a construction site in Japan

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SafeAI, a developer of autonomous solutions for heavy equipment, in partnership with Japanese construction giant Obayashi, has hosted nearly 150 visitors to view its retrofitted autonomous Caterpillar 725, operating on a construction site in Japan for the first time ever.

The demos, which took place over a two week period, brought together delegates from nearly 50 organizations across the construction industry ecosystem, including leading OEM, general contractors, technology companies, universities and research groups and Japanese government entities responsible for regulation.

In addition to winning buy-in from key stakeholders, the demos mark a critical first step toward securing approval from the government and industry organizations to bring autonomous construction to Japan. [Read more…] about SafeAI and Obayashi demonstrate autonomous vehicle on a construction site in Japan