Robot Autonomy and the Future of Masonry Contractors
Overview: The field of masonry is experiencing significant changes with the integration of robotics. The increasing automation of construction tasks is leading to a transformation in the role of masonry contractors. This guide explores how the evolution of robot autonomy is influencing the future of masonry contractors and introduces 3Laws Robotics, a pioneer in innovating software for increased safety and reliability of robotics systems.
Robot Autonomy in Masonry: Robotic masonry has seen a surge in adoption, with a 45% increase in productivity noted when using semi-automated masonry (SAM) systems. These innovative robots can lay up to 400 bricks per hour, compared to a human who can typically lay up to 60. SAM not only accelerates bricklaying but also enhances consistency and precision in the results, reducing rework and waste.
Masonry Contractors and Robot Autonomy: Masonry contractors, once mainly tasked with manual bricklaying, are now being required to operate and oversee automated systems. The role of a masonry contractor is evolving, with a 70% increase in demand for masonry contractors with robotics skills. However, this demand also presents challenges due to a current 25% skills gap in the construction sector, where workers aren't sufficiently trained in the latest technologies like robotics.
Effects on the Masonry Industry: This shift towards automation is pushing the masonry industry towards a new way of working. An economics report showed that over the next decade, nearly 50% of masonry work could be mechanized. While this shift might initially lead to job reallocations, the long-term impact is expected to create an increase in productivity by up to 20% and reduce direct construction costs by more than 4%.
Key Takeaways:
- Robotic masonry increases productivity by up to 45% and enhances precision, reducing rework and waste.
- The demand for masonry contractors with robotics skills is increasing, revealing a pressing need for skills retraining.
- Over the next decade, nearly half of masonry work could be automated, leading to an increase in productivity and reduction in costs.
Introducing 3Laws Robotics, a company that understands the increasing need for robot autonomy in industries such as masonry. Focused on addressing the hurdle of certification, 3Laws is significantly lowering this barrier for robotics companies. Their robust safety software, 3Laws Supervisor, is designed to meet this challenge head-on, leveraging the technology of Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) developed at Caltech.
With the adaptability to various platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators, 3Laws’ software provides significant benefits across a range of industries. In warehouse automation, for instance, 3Laws helped one client achieve a staggering 40% efficiency gain, resulting in a payback period of just six months. Furthermore, their software guarantees safe and continuous operation of robots amongst humans, thereby fulfilling the growing demand for collaborative robotics solutions.
3Laws enhances operational efficiency by reducing downtime caused by unnecessary stops or collisions. Their software provides real-time limits for autonomy stacks, thus allowing robots to operate at high capacities while ensuring safety. Fitted with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2, 3Laws provides dynamic, predictive safety, positioning itself as a next-generation solution that unlocks the full potential of robotics.