Construction Sites Offer Transitional Phase to Unstructured Use of Robotics

With the introduction of machine vision, robots are no longer limited to predetermined paths with tracks; they are now able to roam about areas like warehouses and factory floors using only vision sensors.

Collaborative robots on industrial lines use sensitive force torque sensors coupled with adroitness to work outside of traditional safety cells right alongside their human colleagues. Soon robots will be well-developed enough to operated in even less structured environments, such as on the open road.

Construction sites are one location where robots are experiencing the refinement needed before they are deployed everywhere. Caterpillar recently teamed up with Sarcos to put workers in exoskeletons that increase the strength of the wearer.

Source: APNews.com

Similarly, other companies like Ekso Bionics, now offer products that allow workers to lift heavy equipment for hours on end. Other companies are diligently working to outfit traditional heavy equipment with the ability to collect important data, boost speed, and increase safety and productivity.