The construction industry has witnessed a transformative impact with the integration of automation technologies, spanning every phase from project inception to decommissioning. Recent advancements in computer science and robotics, particularly in Japan, a global leader in this field, have propelled the development of cutting-edge machinery. These innovations aim to minimize human efforts, reduce construction costs, shorten project timelines, and enhance overall productivity.
Construction sites often pose hazards, necessitating the optimization of equipment operation to improve safety and work quality. The implementation of automated processes ensures continuous year-round operation, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency. Machines and robots strategically employed in construction mitigate human efforts and reduce associated risks. In countries like India, abundant in manpower, automation supplements human labor, especially in mega-construction and fast-track projects where manual labor may compromise quality.
Research activities in automation are categorized into two significant groups: civil infrastructure and house building. Civil infrastructure applications include road, tunnel, and bridge construction, earthwork, etc. House construction focuses on tasks like building skeleton erection, concrete compaction, and interior finishing.
The adoption of automation in construction brings several advantages:
Uniform Quality : Ensures consistent quality with greater precision than skilled workers.
Safety Enhancement : Replaces humans in tasks performed in dangerous environments or involve hard physical work.
Increased Productivity : Boosts work efficiency, reduces costs, and accelerates project completion.
Economic Growth : Acts as a catalyst for economic improvement, as seen in the examples of Germany and Japan.
Improved Work Environment : Minimizes manual work, providing a more comfortable work environment for laborers.
Automation finds application in various construction sectors, including:
Use of Putzmeister Telebelt –
The Putzmeister Telebelt, a telescopic belt machine, handles materials from sand to rock with 100mm aggregate size. It is ideal for large construction sites, offering advantages such as versatile placement, time and labor savings, and efficient obstacle clearance. The telescopic boom of the Telebelt reduces complications and enhances efficiency.
The construction industry can benefit significantly from automation, resulting in reduced human effort, lower labor costs, and increased productivity. Countries, especially those witnessing infrastructural development like India, should actively embrace automation technologies. While concerns about job displacement persist, the overall advantages of increased productivity and improved work quality outweigh the drawbacks. Automation is not merely a trend but a necessity for the modern infrastructure and construction sector, enabling firms to enhance productivity across various facets of their operations.
