The Role of Robot Dogs in Construction

Robot dogs are becoming more popular in different fields, yet there is still limited research on how they can be used in construction sites. The construction industry involves many tasks that require a lot of human effort, such as ensuring safety, moving materials, and checking the site. Robot dogs can help with these tasks by providing automated support, which can reduce manual work.

This article explores how robot dogs can be used on construction sites, focusing on their specifications and what is needed for them to function effectively. A real-world experiment was conducted on a large construction site using a quadruped robot, and the robot's potential was evaluated.

#The Growing Role of Technology in Construction

Over the past few years, the construction industry has increasingly looked for ways to improve its processes through digital tools. One major challenge is gathering regular data across the entire site to create a complete digital model of what is happening. Robot dogs, designed to move like animals and equipped with four legs, can handle various terrains well.

Construction managers often face tough jobs that take up a lot of time, such as checking on the progress of work. Using Autonomous Robots for monitoring can significantly cut down on the effort needed for these tasks. While most current studies focus on flying drones for construction, ground-based robots may actually be more practical.

To encourage future research, it’s essential to examine how well robot dogs can be used on construction sites, especially regarding their ability to collect data, reach difficult spots, and survive with limited power sources.

#A Look at Quadruped Robots

In the findings shared, a thorough comparison of quadruped robots available in Europe was made, listing their key features and prices. The analysis only included robots that weigh less than 50 kg and are taller than 40 cm. This ensures that the robots are suitable for the intended tasks on construction sites.

The following robots were analyzed:

• A1 from Unitree
• Go1 from Unitree
• Aliengo from Unitree
• Spot from Boston Dynamics
• B1 from Unitree
• ANYmal from Anybotics

The comparison focused on factors such as weight, height, maximum payload, and more. A breakdown of their properties shows that some robots can be better suited for specific tasks based on the conditions at the construction site.

For example, robots that can withstand water exposure are needed in rainy conditions. The height of the steps that these robots can climb is important for functioning on multi-story buildings. While some robots excel at various tasks, certain models still need improvements for stability and reliability when navigating tough environments.

#Case Study: Using the Go1 Robot

The Go1 robot was chosen to conduct a case study for Data Collection. A Mapping System was developed that could work independently of the robot. This setup allows the system to be used manually or mounted on other robots.

To ensure accurate data collection, the mapping system uses light detection, camera sensors, and inertial measurement units. A computer was selected based on its performance and low power use.

The system has a custom design to keep it lightweight and portable, making it easy to handle. It includes modular parts that can be easily maintained or replaced if needed.

During the data collection process, the robot navigated a large construction site in Munich, covering an area of about 12,500 square meters. The data collected included images, scans, and measurements of the environment.

#Analyzing the Data

After collecting the data, steps were taken to ensure everything aligned properly. The data from various sensors was combined into a single system, allowing for a clearer view of the construction site. This process involved matching the images and laser scans to a known layout of the building.

By using advanced methods, the robot could also detect common features on construction sites, such as cranes and scaffolding. This capability adds value to monitoring activities since construction managers often need this kind of information.

The Go1 robot can provide a unique perspective on indoor areas that traditional methods, like cameras or drones, may not adequately cover. However, there are still challenges to overcome. For instance, the robot faces issues with navigating complex environments and may require human assistance for some tasks.

#Challenges Facing Robot Dogs

Despite the potential benefits, there are several challenges when deploying robot dogs on construction sites. For instance, the reliability of the robot during manual operation is generally good. However, when it comes to navigating autonomously, issues arise, particularly concerning software updates and inaccuracies in mapping.

Some areas of construction sites may be hard for robots to access because of steep stairways or uneven terrain, meaning they may need to be carried by workers. Additionally, the Go1 has limitations when it comes to withstanding bad weather, which can impact its utility on-site.

Another significant issue is the robot's battery life. With an endurance of around 30 minutes during active use, continual charging is necessary. To make using the robot more practical, several requirements must be fulfilled, such as having up-to-date 3D maps of the site, addressing current changes in the environment, and improving battery technology.

#The Future of Robot Dogs in Construction

The study shows that robot dogs can effectively monitor construction sites, particularly providing valuable information for creating digital models. However, their deployment requires addressing limitations in battery life, adaptability to different environments, and the current state of technology.

There is potential for using multiple robot dogs together to offset some of the challenges. The future looks promising as advancements in technology continue to develop. With ongoing improvements supporting robot dogs, they can become a more critical part of construction monitoring.

In summary, robot dogs present a valuable tool for overseeing complex construction sites. As technology continues to improve, their effectiveness in various environments is expected to flourish, leading to increased efficiency in construction work. Their ability to collect data and assist in monitoring can make them indispensable in the future of the construction industry.