Autonomous Robotics in the AEC practice

In recent years, technical development in robotics has been enhanced by leaps forward in artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML). Today’s robots learn and optimize their motion, are remotely connected and ready for deployment, and can transfer learned models and behaviors between industries or applications. This paradigm shift and step change in available autonomy necessitates rethinking how robotics may impact the AEC industry. Until now, contractors and fabricators have mainly used robots to replace humans in the narrow opportunity presented by “Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous” tasks (the 3Ds)—repeated millions of times with little variability. However, AEC professionals are starting to explore robots’ ability to perform tasks that are “Specific, Sustainable, and Scalable” (the 3Ss). Robots complete specific tasks by producing one-off designs and sustainable tasks as they render viable reuse as well as material and waste reduction. Yet they maintain scalability by being able to effortlessly multiply into the hundreds or even millions. They are “smart” enough to work alongside humans, rather than replace them.