The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries have been greatly impacted by Building Information Modeling (BIM), a technique that guides and monitors construction processes using digital, 3D building designs and construction plans.

It has resulted in both time and money savings for professionals in these fields. Along with providing accurate, up-to-date information about the project, BIM has greatly helped with coordination between different sectors.

The robotics industry is another exciting sector that is changing the face of AEC. BIM and robotics can benefit one another, which is surprising. On the construction site, robots can handle mundane or dangerous tasks, improving safety and increasing productivity. For robots working on site, the Building Information Model can serve as a kind of map.

The advantages of using robots in the AEC industry

Robotization can transform construction workflows in a number of ways. It is obvious that robots could replace some human jobs. The benefits, however, are far greater, and could even create new job opportunities.

Robots could assist in improving efficiency and cost efficiency in some construction processes, similar to BIM. There is no doubt that robots save time and money by doing repetitive manual tasks that are also dangerous for humans.

Due to the fact that they require minimal assistance and supervision, it is not necessary to hire a huge team of people to supervise them in order to protect them. Furthermore, robotic automation reduces the risk of expensive errors, as well as minimizes the possibility of fatal accidents as a result of the automation process.

In harsh conditions, they can even be used for long periods of time without wearing out. There are many AEC firms today using robots in their safety inspections to look for people without hard hats, or to simply document the conditions in which they work.

Robotization can also enhance the BIM workflow in the following ways:

• Monitoring right on spot - Objects and terrain can be inspected by robots. Building information models are updated by using sensors and other technologies.
• Better 3D printing of Structures and other models - It should also be noted that robots are capable of not only printing building models in 3D but also printing actual metal structures in 3D. So using robots will bring more accuracy in lesser time and also improve overall workflow.
• 3D Printing Complex Components – In addition to 3D printing parts of the building with greater speed and accuracy than the current manufacturing process, there are robots that can 3D print entire buildings.
• Providing support for sustainable development - There are a number of robotic systems that are designed to save energy by constantly monitoring the temperature, the light, the air quality of the building, etc.
• Helping with mundane or hazardous tasks - In order to assist in the handling of heavy loads, digging, drilling, cutting, assembling parts, and performing all other mundane but unavoidable tasks, robots are often employed.

In addition to minimizing the possibility of costly errors occurring, robotics also reduces the possibility of fatal accidents occurring in the workplace.

BIM-based robot examples in the present AEC Sector

In addition to helping coordinate jobs, BIM has also turned out to be a great database for construction robots to use to assist in the work that they are doing. Some of the most inspiring examples can be found in the following list.

• Hyundai’s Elevate
  A collaboration between Hyundai and Autodesk led to one of the latest innovations. The Elevate vehicle made its debut in 2019, designed to be an ultimate mobility vehicle, capable of moving both on wheels and four legs.
  This robot is capable of navigating any terrain and enduring harsh weather conditions thanks to its agile anatomy. It could also play a significant role in rural exploration, disaster relief, and the transportation of people with disabilities.
• The Hilti Jaibot
  In 2020, Hilti released its first robot - the Jaibot which is one of the most innovative construction tool manufacturers. With the Jaibot, drilling can be assisted in a semi-automatic manner. Plumbing, electricians, and others who may use it will be able to work faster, more accurately, and more safely.
  Additionally, it is relatively small, cordless, and easy to use, plus it is quite flexible because it's small and cordless. Thus, overhead drilling should be less strenuous than usual. As a final bonus, the Jaibot can operate for up to 8 hours without needing to be recharged.
• The Husky A200
  The Husky A200 mobile robot will assist with logistics on construction sites, according to Fraunhofer Italia's announcement in 2020. It is capable of transporting tools and other heavy loads.
  Using sensors and lasers, it navigates around the site and follows workers as needed. Aside from that, it has the ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment and detect obstacles as they arise.
• MX3D Printer Robot
  Users can 3D print large metal objects with MX3D's robot additive manufacturing technology. In one instance, a robot created a bridge entirely using 3D printing. Robotic printing arms were used to successfully print the bridge in metal 18 months after it was planned carefully.
• GE Tunnel-Digging Robot
  In collaboration with General Electric Company and with funding from DARPA, Penn State University developed this impressive machine. This robot's design is inspired by earthworms, which gives it outstanding agility and speed. In recent reports, digging a tunnel 100 meters long and 10 cm in diameter should take about 15 minutes.
  Additionally, the tunnel-digging robot can penetrate extremely compact soil by exerting strong pressure while digging. An inspection and repair machine of this type can serve a number of purposes, including soil inspections and infrastructure inspections. Best of all, no heavy equipment is needed for digging.

What is the Future of Robotics in the AEC Industry?

Robots will play an increasingly important role in the future of AEC, given the rapid technological growth we have seen so far. Maybe one day we can teach them how to design spaces that suit our needs like a human designer can. Robots can and will likely replace humans in virtually all activities that call for exact mathematical calculations, lightning-fast reflexes, or those that people just do not want to perform anymore.