US firms Trimble and Boston Dynamics are working together to extend the use of autonomous robots in construction.

The integration between robots, high-accuracy GNSS, laser scanning and other technologies aims to improve project safety, productivity and quality.

The alliance is integrating various construction data collection technologies using Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot platform. The jointly-developed product will combine the Spot robot’s autonomous mobility with Trimble’s data collection sensors and field control software to enable automation of repetitive tasks such as site scans, surveying and progress monitoring, while taking advantage of the robot’s capabilities to navigate dynamic and potentially unsafe environments.

The relationship gives Trimble exclusivity to sell and support the Spot robot with integrated scanning, total station and GNSS technologies for the construction market.

This turnkey product should streamline operation of the robot and provide quality control for missions, enabling construction project managers to get a clear picture of jobsite progress on an ongoing basis.

Trimble technologies integrated with the robot enable accurate, scalable and rapid data acquisition while Trimble’s construction collaboration platforms provide a continuous flow of information between field and office. In addition, users can benefit from local support and service from Trimble and its distribution partners.

Mortenson, a US builder, developer and engineering services provider in Minneapolis, is one of the first to leverage this technology combination. Mortenson has a history of lean innovation and project technology expertise. In this spirit of eliminating jobsite waste and increasing efficiency, the team has been piloting Spot robots with Trimble’s SPS986 GNSS to navigate autonomously exterior construction environments such as solar farms to document existing site conditions continuously.

An automated and repeatable approach to field data capture can provide Mortenson with real-time awareness of project status, helping accelerate project delivery. Through Trimble’s early experience programme, contractors such as Mortenson have advanced access to this technology for the purposes of evaluating its suitability in actual construction projects.

“Robots will play a crucial role in automated construction workflows and can augment the human workforce by handling dirty, dull and dangerous tasks,” said Martin Holmgren, general manager at Trimble. “Our experience with early adopters like Mortenson gave us visibility into the transformative potential of an integration that seamlessly marries a world-class robot with construction-specific sensors and workflows. We’re excited about this alliance and the potential to bring unprecedented improvements in safety, quality and productivity to our construction customers.”

Michael Perry, vice president of business development at Boston Dynamics, added: “We believe the combination of Trimble’s experience and industry leadership in construction technologies and Boston Dynamics’ Spot can transform the way the industry operates. The integration will enable any jobsite leader to deploy Spot and Trimble technologies to get an accurate view of construction progress through real-time data collection. With a more comprehensive view of site activity, project managers can take proactive measures to ensure on-time, on-budget and safer project delivery.”

The product is expected to be available by the second quarter of 2021 through Boston Dynamics, Trimble and select BuildingPoint and Sitech distribution partners in the USA, Canada, UK, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Founded in 1992, Boston Dynamics spun out of the MIT Leg Lab.