World of Concrete: Putting Unmanned Systems to Work on the Job Site

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Unmanned systems including drones, automated trucks and teleoperated machinery are increasingly being used at job sites in the United States and around the world. From site surveys to hauling materials, the technologies are hard at work increasing efficiency, improving safety and saving companies money. 

This technological revolution is being driven by data. Drones provide a tremendous amount of information that is proving invaluable for construction companies. Supporting software capabilities allow project managers to process and analyze the data creating 3-D models and maps that provide a new way to visualize projects. Access to this information improves communication on the jobsite, translating to thousands of dollars saved. 

Drones have been used for everything from creating 3-D models of the historic St. Elizabeth church in Freiburg, Germany, to aid in its renovation, to helping manage the construction of a 45-story condo building in Hawaii.

Drones aren’t the only technology shaking up construction. Fleets of remotely operated dump trucks are being used for mining operations — for instance, Volvo Trucks has signed a deal with Norwegian quarry Brønnøy Kalk AS to provide autonomous vehicles for hauling limestone —and construction applications aren’t far behind. While these technologies don’t currently operate without a human in the loop, teleoperation is one step closer to automated operations that will eventually increase productivity by eliminating human error and improve operational efficiencies reducing wear and tear on equipment. Other technologies include bricklaying robots that eliminate mundane tasks and allow skilled workers to focus on more complicated projects once the bricks are in place.

Whether in the air or on the ground, the key driving factor for construction companies to integrate unmanned systems into their operations is improved efficiency and productivity. But getting started with the technology isn’t easy, especially for companies new to unmanned systems and the benefits they provide. 

Learning tips and tricks from experienced construction professionals and solutions providers working in the industry is one of the best ways to get started, and there’s no better place than at World of Concrete being held January 21-25, 2019 in Las Vegas. AUVSI is pleased to host a two-hour session on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. featuring experts from PrecisionHawk, Pix4D, Praxis Aerospace Concepts International and Hensel Phelps as they discuss the “ins and outs” of developing a drone program. 

Construction and drone technology experts will discuss topics including how to know if your company is ready for unmanned systems, how to build a business case and how to maximize return on investment by making the most of your drone data. The final session will feature a special presentation on flying safely and gaining pilot certification through AUVSI’s recently launched Trusted Operator Program. 

Join more than 58,000 masonry and construction professionals in Las Vegas for World of Concrete and be sure to register for AUVSI’s session Unmanned Vehicles: Reduce Risk and Increase Profit & Productivity to get the latest insights on the technology transforming the industry. For more information visit www.worldofconcrete.com.  

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