Skanska, a project development and construction company based in Seattle, is utilizing the use of two autonomous robots from Nextera Robotics to help build the Kaye apartment building in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. This pilot program is the first of its kind on the West Coast and is aimed at speeding up the project and improving safety along the way. The Didge robots provide high-resolution, 360-degree photography which gives architects and Skanska’s development team constant visuals of the project site.
According to Stewart Germain, Skanska’s director of innovation, sending a human out to capture images would require 40 hours per week, but the Didge robots free up humans for other tasks. The robots combine four existing practices into a single platform to enhance project teams’ efficiency. Germain emphasizes that photography is a key concern that provides immediate value to the team, allowing the robots to navigate the site, climb stairs, and capture high-definition images consistently.
The Didge robots not only assist with photography but also help in tracking progress of the build, quality assurance/quality control, and job site safety compliance. By comparing the images captured by the robots with Skanska’s building information modeling, the system ensures that the project is being constructed in accordance with plans. Moreover, the robots analyze the imagery for safety compliance, spotting potential infractions like improper equipment use or unsafe conditions, and notifying safety personnel.
Nextera Robotics utilizes machine learning and trains neural networks for object detection and image segmentation to enhance the capabilities of the Didge robots. These neural networks can recognize various objects like electrical boxes, conduits, air ducts, and sprinklers, as well as detect safety violations based on OSHA requirements and client-specific standards. The Didge robots act as additional eyes on the construction site, monitoring every room simultaneously and ensuring strict safety adherence.
Aside from the Didge robots, another robot solution from Dusty Robotics is being used on the Kaye site to handle framing and drywall work by printing directly on concrete slabs based on the BIM model. Stewart Germain, Skanska’s innovation lead and a long-time company member, believes that the construction industry is entering a phase where different technological solutions can be integrated seamlessly. He is excited about the future of the industry, noting the potential of technology such as drones, VR/AR, laser scanning, and 3D printing to revolutionize commercial development and construction processes.
The incorporation of advanced technology like autonomous robots signifies a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and safety in the construction industry. By combining innovative solutions seamlessly into projects, companies like Skanska are poised to revolutionize traditional construction processes. The use of Didge robots and other advanced technology not only accelerates project timelines but also ensures high-quality construction and adherence to safety standards, paving the way for a more sophisticated and efficient future in the commercial development and construction sector.
