Shimizu Corporation introduces robots for civil construction

Multiple innovative construction robots developed by Shimizu Corporation have been operating at the construction site of a high-rise hotel in Shin-Osaka.

The crane called 'Exter' incorporates a function that enables the boom to extend and retract horizontally unlike existing tower cranes that have a knuckle-type bendable boom.

"Shimizu Corporation's effort to solve labour shortage in construction sites by the utilisation of latest robot technology is paving the way for a new era and there is no denying that a co-working robot may be the future of a workplace," said Masahiro Indo, an official from the Shimizu Corporation.

Masahiro further goes on to talk about the 'Robo-Welder', 'Robo-Carrier' and the two-armed 'Robo-Buddy'.

On the one hand, "the 'Robo-Welder' automatically performs all welding without worker intervention. The robot recognises the channel shape of the spot to be welded by laser measurement," the official highlighted.

"The 'Robo-Carrier', on the other hand, is an automatic conveyor system that transports the material delivered to the job site and recognizes its own position via laser sensor and referencing BIM information, automatically transporting material to the designated work site. When it encounters an obstacle, it performs repeated search and corrects course," Masahiro underscored.

Shimizu Corporation's representative further remarked, "The multipurpose two-armed robot, 'Robo-Buddy', performs work freely along six axes and can pick up materials weighing up to 30 kg. It operates on an elevating pedestal on top of an automatic guided vehicle".

Masahiro further said, "After it recognises the location to perform work via imaging sensors and laser sensor, it uses its two robotic arms to insert a ceiling suspension bolt, assemble the base material, and install a ceiling board. It then screws it into place, and installs OA floor pedestal and panelling."

"Our current goal is to save manpower by 10 per cent by 2025. To realise the future of working, we need to deal with issues such as management, social work, improvement of safety as they will become more necessary," Masahiro added.