Don’t be scared. They might be here in force by 2057 according to a recent report. While there is the obvious concern about jobs being replaced by robots, the current declining interest in construction jobs and already tight work force might actually just be supplemented by robots. It could finally improve construction productivity for the first time in a while. Right now, “big time” advances are drones or autonomous robots that take pictures in lieu of management staff that is already in the area. This might save resources or improve things on a small scale but it’s hardly the dramatic change we picture when we think of robots. There are other attempts to use robots that have seen moderate success in masonry construction and rebar tying.
As robots do become more common, a new position might be created. Instead of field engineers, companies may employ field programmers to watch and service an autonomous work force. As construction leaders, we need to get comfortable with the thought of using robotics on jobsites so that we are ready and able to select the right robot at the right time to improve safety, quality and/or production.
This Construction Dive article summarizes some trends and provides links to more in depth articles and reports: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/report-27m-construction-jobs-could-be-automated-by-2057/571746/.
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