The Growing Role of Robotics in Building and Design
Robots are what movies and television always show as things of the future. In the present, they're what power industries across the world, from manufacturing to construction and design. Robotics is becoming more popular in these fields, but it still has some room to grow.
Robots haven't been slow to impact building and design, however, they haven't integrated in the fastest way either. Construction involves several steps — architects must model and design the idea, engineers must enact the logistic changes and contractors carry out the work. These steps require human approaches to ensure safety and design go hand-in-hand.
Now, though, the industry is using robots to go above and beyond their normal functions of completing repetitive tasks. Here's how.
3D Printing
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One all-inclusive innovation for construction and design is 3D printing. Usually, architects and designers will use CAD software or something similar to print. It helps them create tangible models and constructs to scale for a representation of their visions.
However, robots are now taking 3D printing into their own hands — or arms. They can build life-size structures for everyday use that are safe and have a modern look to them.
For instance, the MX3D Bridge in Amsterdam would not have been possible without the help of robots. This bridge is made of stainless steel and has passed multiple phases of testing and safety. With the robots printing and assembling the material, it's an example of automation progress in the industry.
Brick Laying
A common practice for contractors is laying bricks or any other type of material that they must stack. Robots tend to excel in tedious, repetitive tasks. With laying down bricks, robots can move efficiently without tiring or needing constant supervision.
Implementing these robots on a larger scale can then boost efficiency and impact. For example, the Gantenbein Winery in Fläsch, Switzerland, used robots in two ways. First, 3D printed materials made up the outside, giving it a unique texture and aesthetic. Then, robots built and assembled the walls with a sound structure.
It's a powerful example of how much robotics can thrive in the industry. With them, safe buildings are possible and cheaper. Further, this winery shows that robots have the potential for larger-scale projects.
Drones
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Drones are taking off — literally — around the world. They're small, cost-effective and useful tools that workers can implement easily. These tiny robots help contractors monitor and identify issues, which is especially useful with large projects. The cameras that record high-definition pictures and videos show exactly what needs maintenance. Plus, they can get into hard to reach areas that humans can't access.
Now, though, drones are taking the next step. With their advanced SLAM mapping capabilities, drones can be part of the assembly crew. This robotics technology allows drones to navigate both indoor and outdoor spaces in sophisticated ways, enabling them to take a greater role in building construction and design.
Flight-assembled architecture is the name of the game here — drones from Gramazio Kohler Architects stacked thousands of polystyrene bricks to create a futuristic tower in France. With drones being so versatile, they are sure to be the key to many more innovations in the industry.
Progress Across the World
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Around the world, progress is happening, and robots take on different forms. For instance, Melbourne, Australia, has integrated automation with solar power.
Renewable energy is thriving as a necessary investment — it's only right that architects and contractors incorporate robotics. At RMIT University in Melbourne, discs that rotate with the sun's movements run throughout the entire Design Hub building. With automation like this advancement, energy usage becomes more efficient. Plus, form goes with function, creating a practical design.
Elsewhere in the world, Seoul, South Korea, is making strides in robotics like never before. It's no secret that robots can do a lot. Seoul is making way on a new Robot Science Museum where robots will lead and have complete autonomy.
If all goes according to plan, robots can design, manufacture and construct this building. It's a challenging task, but experts are confident that the machines can handle it. Through mapping, 3D printing, modeling and assembling, it's a project to keep an eye on.
The Growing Abilities of Robots
It's clear that robots have massive potential for construction, design and architecture. They can evolve beyond repetitive tasks to construct bridges, towers and museums. How far, though, will they go? There's the common fear the technology will one day overtake human jobs.
However, robots require human programming and likely won't outperform people on the creative ends of things. Humans take the lead in the dynamic, actionable areas of the industry, whereas robots are there to make things easier. As innovation continues, their abilities will ultimately help workers thrive.
Author Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter @HollyAWelles.
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