Canadian construction company Pomerleau has begun a six-month field trial of Spot, a fully-automated, battery-operated moving robot, on one of its worksites near Montreal.
 
Spot will be used with a 360˚ HD camera on its back. The camera is linked with HoloBuilder, a documentation platform that allows comparisons with virtual design and construction software, enabling a full site view from a remote connection. The photos will be used to track the project’s progress and adherence to budget, schedule and quality standards.
 
Designed and built by Boston Dynamics, the Spot robot is equipped with autonomous tracking systems that help it identify and avoid obstacles and people, pick itself up after a fall, move in any direction, and quickly change directions. Its tracking systems make it suitable for exploring confined or dangerous areas – a way to increase safety for human workers.
 
The curation, integration and access to accurate site data are key enablers of collaboration.
 
“This initiative is in line with Pomerleau’s mission of identifying, leveraging and championing innovation,” said Ian Kirouac, head of transformation at Pomerleau. “Our industry is undergoing a profound transformation. We foresee robotics playing a large role in it.”
 
Pomerleau is the first general contractor to use Spot on its worksites.
 
“We are consistently trying out new technologies, tools and ways of working that will ultimately add value to our projects and benefit our clients,” said Eric Lessard, chief digital officer at Pomerleau. “It’s becoming clear that today we must turn to technology to assist and enhance human potential. Our approach is to try out different technologies – like Spot – to complement and help our workers, and then leverage their talent, skills and expertise for more crucial work.”
 
The company will assess its effectiveness and return on investment over the next six months.
 
Pomerleau specialises mainly in the building, infrastructure, civil engineering and renewable energy sectors. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company employs up to 4000 people at its nine regional offices and more than 150 worksites across Canada. In addition, it is a champion of virtual design and construction. Pomerleau owns Beaubois, a company specialising in millwork and architectural woodwork, and Borea Construction, a specialist in renewable energy construction.