Automated Construction: The machines will drive themselves

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Automated Construction The machines will drive
themselves!

• We are surveying a DOT project in three
  dimensions and contractors are building projects
  in three dimensions. Designers produce plans for
  construction in two dimensions (on paper) because
  this has been the standard since roads were first
  designed.
• We need to find a way to embrace latest
  technology and begin producing 3-D electronic
  plans along with paper plans that facilitate the
  production of transportation construction
  projects of highest quality by the most
  economical means.
• --Douglas Townes

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Automated Construction The machines will drive
themselves!

• A reality for highway construction
• I worked on a state highway project and some bull
  dozers had GPS units on the blade and could
  properly set grade and elevation for the new
  roadway.
• Bull dozers mount one or two, for more accuracy,
  GPS receivers on the dozers and using an
  electronic version of the plan and station
  control, can automatic adjust the blade on the
  machine to properly grade the surface within a
  half-inch.
• Graders and pavers also can be mounted with these
  devices, eliminating the need to place grade
  stakes, a time consuming process.

Stakeless grading
Grade stakes and lines more work and less
accurate but once high-tech
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Automated Construction The machines will drive
themselves!

• Benefits
• Fast - requires only one operator, and maybe less
  than one or none in the near future by remote
  control and auto-pilot type construction
  vehicles.
• Just as accurate as conventional methodsroadway
  construction is checked with GPS instruments.
• Cheaper less time and labor and no surveyor
  required.
• Less operator mistakes the plans are
  transferred electronically from the engineer to
  the field.
• Allows for plans to stay in 3-D.

• Applications in Construction
• Finishing Subgrade
• Excavation and placing of materials
• Finish Grading
• Erosion Control
• Bridge Structures
• Drainage
• Signs and Guardrail
• Location of test results

• The Future
• Much of the construction process may involve
  unmanned machines.
• These machines may be ran remotely by operators,
  especially in dangerous areas such as steep
  slopes.
• Some machines may not require anyone to
  operation, just the plan and GPS Station Control,
  as designed by the engineer.

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Automated Construction The machines will drive
themselves!
Fujita Research for unmanned construction