A demolition contractor needs to juggle a host of variables to get the job done right. That means balancing overhead costs while delivering on budget, on time, and in a safe manner. However, excelling on every front can be difficult. Demolition is a highly regulated industry and labor markets have been tight, which both put pressure on overhead costs and may limit the scope of projects worth bidding on.
That is why, over the past several years, remote-controlled robotic demolition systems have been steadily carving out larger roles on the job site. The typical remote-controlled robotic demolition “system” is essentially a robotic arm controlled by a human operator standing a dozen or so feet away from the action. This simple, yet powerful, setup yields a host of advantages for demolition work. More importantly, remote-controlled robotic demolition systems have been thoroughly tested in the real world and have demonstrated proven returns on investment. Here are a few reasons why.
PREDICTABLE POWER
Robotic-controlled demolition systems are predictable, productive, and powerful. Humans are tough, but a robot’s endurance is unmatched. A robotic system can run for hours on end and with the same precision and power in every maneuver. A single robotic system can help simplify the planning process, reduce the number of workers needed for a job, or broaden the range or volume of projects a contractor can take on. And, ultimately, that means lower costs for customers, a more competitive bid, and more jobs on the schedule.
ENHANCE HUMAN PRODUCTIVITY
Fully autonomous robots are being deployed at scale today, though they are mostly limited to large mining and agricultural operations. Currently, remote-controlled robotic demolition systems are still controlled by skilled human operators. A robot on the demolition site, in other words, does not replace a skilled worker. But it can enhance their effectiveness.
Robotic systems excel at manual, repetitive tasks, but demolition work is, and will always be, a highly technical engineering task that requires strategy and expert insight. In the hands of a skilled demolition engineer, however, a robot can help get a job done faster without adding additional safety risks.
ADAPTABILITY
Remote-controlled robotic demolition systems can also be used in a wide range of configurations and deployed just about anywhere they might be needed.
For starters, the robotic arm is sort of like an oversized hand tool that has various bits or attachments. A robotic demolition system from manufacturer Brokk, for example, can have a beam grapple, saw, or even a shotcrete gun attached to the end of the arm (there are many more attachments). It all depends on the demands of the job.
Robotic systems can also go places humans should not. They can work where oxygen levels are low, hanging from a crane, suspended in an elevator shaft, or jammed into cramped or otherwise dangerous spaces. Remote-controlled robotic demolition systems are also powered by electricity, which means no noxious fumes or engine noise. That’s a major advantage on job sites that, due to regulations, limit noise or emissions. Altogether, a robotic system broadens the range of projects contractors can compete for.
SAFETY
Demolition is an inherently dangerous job; it is the controlled destruction of structures, after all. There are a lot of hazards on the worksite and that also means the industry is highly regulated. Remote-controlled robotic demolition systems help contractors remain compliant and keep their workers safe.
Clearly, by keeping workers a safe distance from the action, robotic systems help reduce the rate of injuries from the rare accident. But they also help eliminate prolonged stress (such as the vibrating of a jackhammer or bending and lifting in awkward positions), which can be an underappreciated, long-term burden on workers’ bodies. According to Brokk, a leading manufacturer of remote-controlled robotic demolition systems, firms that deployed robots on the job site reduced workers’ comp costs by 50 percent, and back injury claims dipped by 75 percent.
While the upfront costs for robotic-controlled demolition can be a deterrent for some, over time these systems have generated a return on their investment by improving productivity, flexibility, and workplace safety. That could put savvy demolition operators at a long-term advantage, especially in an environment where rising costs are putting pressure on contractors to scrutinize every dollar invested in a project.
Contact The Remote-Controlled Robotic Demolition Systems Experts Today
Our team is an industry leader in robotic demolition. With our state-of-the-art Electric Powered Robots, we achieve fume-free, low-noise demolition. With a wide variety of demolition robots available, our team has the right machine for your work needs. Contact us today!