Robots for In-Situ Construction Flashcards
What type of robots are typically used for in-situ construction tasks?
Robots used for in-situ construction tasks are typically designed to handle the specific challenges of construction environments, such as uneven terrain, variable weather, and complex tasks requiring precision. Here are the main types of robots used:
- Mobile Robots
Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs): These are wheeled or tracked robots capable of moving around construction sites to transport materials, inspect progress, or perform tasks like concrete pouring. Examples include Boston Dynamics’ Spot or Brokk demolition robots.
Drone-based Systems: UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are used for aerial surveying, inspection, and mapping of construction sites, as well as light material delivery. - Robotic Arms
On-Site Fabrication Robots: These robots are deployed on-site to perform specific construction tasks, such as bricklaying (e.g., Fastbrick Robotics’ Hadrian X) or 3D printing of structural elements (e.g., concrete or metal).
Assembly Robots: Robotic arms with high precision are used for assembling prefabricated components directly on-site. - 3D Printing Robots
Large-Scale Concrete Printers: These systems extrude layers of material to create structural components or entire buildings directly on-site (e.g., robots by Apis Cor or ICON).
Hybrid 3D Printers: These may integrate with other robotic systems to perform additional tasks like reinforcement placement. - Wall-Climbing Robots
These robots are equipped with suction, magnetic, or adhesive systems to climb vertical surfaces and perform tasks like painting, welding, inspection, or installing panels. - Humanoid Robots
Although less common, humanoid robots like HRP-5P by AIST in Japan are being developed to perform tasks traditionally done by humans, such as drywall installation or handling tools. - Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, assisting in lifting heavy objects, precision drilling, or assembly tasks. Examples include robotic systems integrated with exoskeletons or AI-powered manipulators. - Inspection Robots
Crawler Robots: These compact robots inspect confined spaces, such as pipelines or foundations.
AI-Enabled Surveying Robots: These use sensors and cameras for progress monitoring and quality assurance.
Key Features for In-Situ Construction Robots:
Autonomy: Ability to navigate dynamically changing environments with minimal human intervention.
Durability: Designed to withstand harsh conditions like dust, heat, and vibration.
Modularity: Robots that can switch between tasks or adapt to various tools and attachments for multi-purpose use.
These robots enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency in construction projects by reducing reliance on human labor for repetitive, dangerous, or labor-intensive tasks.
What type of robots are typically used for in-situ construction tasks?
-Delta Robots?
-Mobile Robots?
-SCARA Robots?
For in-situ construction tasks, Mobile Robots are the most commonly used among the options listed. Here’s why each type relates (or doesn’t relate) to in-situ construction:
- Mobile Robots
Most Suitable for In-Situ Construction
Mobile robots are widely used because they can navigate construction sites, which are dynamic and often unstructured. They perform tasks such as material transport, site inspection, surveying, and even direct construction work like autonomous bricklaying or 3D printing. Examples include AGVs (Autonomous Ground Vehicles) or Boston Dynamics’ Spot. - Delta Robots
Not Common for In-Situ Construction
Delta robots are typically used in highly controlled environments, such as factories or assembly lines, due to their high speed and precision. They are less suited for unstructured construction sites where conditions are uneven and tasks are less repetitive. - SCARA Robots
Rarely Used for In-Situ Construction
SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) robots are primarily used for precise, repetitive tasks in controlled environments like electronics or small-scale assembly. They are not ideal for construction tasks that require mobility or operation in rugged conditions.
Conclusion:
Mobile Robots are the clear choice for in-situ construction due to their adaptability, mobility, and ability to operate in the challenging conditions typical of construction sites.
Cobot is the short term for ?
Cobot is the short term for Collaborative Robot.
Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, assisting with tasks that might require precision, strength, or repetitive motions. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are typically confined to safety cages, cobots are equipped with advanced sensors, safety mechanisms, and programming to interact closely and safely with human workers.
Key Features of Cobots:
Ease of Use: Often easy to program and deploy.
Flexibility: Can perform a variety of tasks, such as assembly, welding, material handling, and inspection.
Safety: Equipped with force-limiting capabilities and sensors to detect human presence, ensuring safe operation.
Applications: Common in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and construction.
For example, in construction, cobots may assist in tasks like bricklaying, heavy lifting, or precision drilling, making them valuable tools for augmenting human labor.
Cobot is the short term for ? Robot. A Robot specifiaclly designed to work with a ? in close proximity. A Cobot allows for ? - ? -Interaction.
Cobot is the short term for Collaborative Robot.
A robot specifically designed to work with a human in close proximity.
A Cobot allows for human-robot interaction.
Why is sensor fusion critical in construction robots?
-Increases the robot’s capabilities for localization?
-Combines data from multiple sources for better decision-making?
-Reduces the number of required sensors?
Sensor fusion is critical in construction robots primarily because it:
Increases the robot’s capabilities for localization.
By integrating data from various sensors (e.g., LiDAR, GPS, IMU, cameras), sensor fusion enhances the robot’s ability to understand its position and orientation in dynamic and unstructured construction environments.
Combines data from multiple sources for better decision-making.
Sensor fusion merges inputs from different types of sensors to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environment, enabling robots to make accurate and robust decisions, even in noisy or incomplete data scenarios.
Not Primary:
Reduces the number of required sensors.
While sensor fusion optimizes the use of data from sensors, it does not necessarily reduce the number of sensors; instead, it leverages multiple sensors for improved performance and reliability.
Conclusion:
The most critical reasons for sensor fusion in construction robots are to increase localization capabilities and combine data for better decision-making, both of which are essential for navigating and performing tasks in complex and changing construction sites.
Name the handheld device used to manually control and program a robot.
The handheld device used to manually control and program a robot is called a Teach Pendant.
Key Features of a Teach Pendant:
Manual Control: Allows operators to move the robot’s joints or end effector manually for precise positioning.
Programming Interface: Provides an interface to create, edit, and execute robot programs.
Safety Features: Includes emergency stop buttons and deadman switches for safety during programming.
Display and Input: Often equipped with a touchscreen or buttons to visualize and input commands.
Teach pendants are widely used in industrial robotics for tasks like setting up work routines, troubleshooting, and teaching robots specific paths or operations.
What is a “robot flange”?
-A joint that connects two axes?
-A mounting interface for end effectors?
-A type of sensor used in robots?
-A programming software feature?
A robot flange is:
A mounting interface for end effectors.
Explanation:
The robot flange is the flat, standardized surface at the end of a robot arm where tools or end effectors, such as grippers, welders, or suction cups, are attached. It serves as the connection point between the robot and its operational tools.
Key Characteristics:
Standardized Design: Often follows ISO standards to ensure compatibility with various end effectors.
Rotational Capability: May allow for the rotation of the tool for specific tasks.
Electrical/Mechanical Connections: Often includes ports or pathways for power and data transfer to the end effector.
This component is critical for enabling robots to perform versatile tasks by easily swapping out tools.
What is the definition of a robot according to DIN EN ISO 10218-1?
According to DIN EN ISO 10218-1, a robot is defined as:
“An automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulator, programmable in three or more axes, which can be either fixed in place or mobile, for use in industrial automation applications.”
Key Components of the Definition:
Automatically Controlled: Operates based on programmed instructions without direct human intervention.
Reprogrammable: Can be reprogrammed for different tasks without changing its physical structure.
Multipurpose Manipulator: Designed to perform various functions, such as material handling, assembly, or welding.
Programmable in Three or More Axes: Must have at least three degrees of freedom to perform complex tasks.
Fixed or Mobile: Can be stationary or move across the workspace.
Industrial Automation Applications: Primarily intended for use in industrial settings, though the definition can extend to other applications.
This definition emphasizes the versatility and automation capabilities of robots in industrial environments.
What is the definition of a robot according to DIN EN ISO 10218-1?
-A reprogrammable manipulator for industrial use?
-A device that mimics a human arm?
-A manipulator programmable in three or more axes?
The correct definition of a robot according to DIN EN ISO 10218-1 is:
A manipulator programmable in three or more axes.
Explanation:
This definition highlights the essential characteristic of a robot as per the standard: it must have the capability to be programmed in three or more axes, which provides the flexibility needed for industrial automation tasks. While robots are often reprogrammable and can mimic human arm motions, these are specific capabilities rather than the core definition under the standard.
In which tasks are robots already used in construction?
-Demolition?
-Site inspection?
-Prefabrication?
Robots are already used in several tasks within the construction industry, including:
- Demolition
Robots are increasingly being used for demolition tasks, especially in dangerous or confined spaces. Hydraulic demolition robots like Brokk are commonly used for breaking concrete, removing debris, and dismantling structures. These robots enhance safety by removing human workers from hazardous environments. - Site Inspection
Drones (UAVs) and ground robots are used for site inspections to gather data and monitor construction progress. They help with surveying, mapping, and identifying potential safety hazards on construction sites. Drones equipped with cameras, LiDAR, or thermal sensors can inspect hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time data for project management. - Prefabrication
Robots are widely used in prefabrication to automate the production of building components in a controlled environment. For example, 3D printing robots can print structural elements like walls or even entire houses using concrete or other materials. Additionally, robotic arms are used for tasks like welding, assembly, or cutting in prefabrication factories.
Conclusion:
Robots are already integrated into construction processes for demolition, site inspection, and prefabrication, each helping improve efficiency, safety, and precision.
What does “offline programming” of robots involve?
-Programming the robot using physical hardware?
-Teaching with a teaching probe?
-Programming through an offline AI?
-Simulation environment programming?
Offline programming of robots involves:
Simulation environment programming.
Explanation:
Offline programming refers to the process of creating and testing robot programs in a simulated environment before the actual robot is deployed on the physical worksite. This allows for programming and optimization of tasks without needing to interrupt production or take the robot offline. The simulation models the robot’s movements, its interaction with objects, and its environment, ensuring the program works as intended before real-world implementation.
Key Points:
No physical hardware required during programming.
It can be done remotely using software tools, allowing for programming and testing in a controlled, virtual setting.
Once the program is verified in the simulation, it is transferred to the robot for execution.
This approach saves time, reduces the risk of errors, and helps optimize robot performance before deployment on the physical production line.
What does the term “manipulator” refer to in robotics?
-The robot’s programmer?
-The tool attached to the robot’s arm?
-The mechanical arm of a robot?
-The programming interface?
In robotics, the term “manipulator” refers to:
The mechanical arm of a robot.
Explanation:
A manipulator is the physical structure of a robot that performs actions like lifting, moving, or positioning objects. It typically consists of multiple joints and links that allow it to move and interact with its environment. The manipulator is often equipped with an end effector (such as a gripper, tool, or other specialized attachment) to perform specific tasks.
Key Points:
The manipulator is responsible for the robot’s physical movement and manipulation of objects.
It includes the robot’s arm, wrist, and sometimes a hand or gripper that can interact with the environment.
It does not refer to the robot’s programmer, tools, or programming interface.
How do robots ensure smoother movement with intermediate points?
-Adjusting degrees of freedom?
-Using blending radius values?
-By calculating acceleration values?
-By simulating gravitational pull?
Robots ensure smoother movement with intermediate points by:
Using blending radius values.
Explanation:
Blending radius is a technique used in robotics to smooth the transition between consecutive movements, especially when the robot moves through intermediate points in a trajectory. This involves creating a smooth path that blends the motion between points, reducing jerky or abrupt changes in direction or speed.
Blending radius allows for continuous, smooth motion by defining a region around each point where the robot’s path gradually adjusts to ensure no sudden shifts in velocity or direction, making the movement more fluid.
Key Points:
Degrees of freedom (DOF) refer to the robot’s range of motion but don’t directly ensure smooth movement through intermediate points.
Acceleration values are important for controlling the speed of movement, but they are not primarily used for smoothing the trajectory between intermediate points.
Simulating gravitational pull is not directly related to ensuring smooth movement; rather, it affects the robot’s weight and stability, which can influence overall movement but not the smoothness between intermediate points.
In summary, blending radius values are the key to ensuring smooth transitions and continuous motion between points in robotic movements
What is “ROS”?
ROS stands for Robot Operating System.
Explanation:
ROS is an open-source framework that provides libraries, tools, and conventions for developing and controlling robots. It is not an operating system in the traditional sense (like Windows or Linux), but rather a set of software frameworks that allow developers to build, simulate, and control robots more easily.
Key Features of ROS:
Middleware: ROS acts as middleware that facilitates communication between different parts of a robot, such as sensors, actuators, and control systems.
Modularity: ROS supports modularity, allowing developers to build complex robotic systems by combining smaller, reusable software components called nodes.
Tools for Simulation and Visualization: ROS integrates with tools like Gazebo for simulation and RViz for visualizing robot states and sensor data.
Hardware Abstraction: It abstracts hardware details, making it easier to develop code that can run on different robot platforms.
Real-Time Capabilities (through ROS 2): ROS 2 includes support for real-time and more reliable communication, making it suitable for critical robotic applications.
Applications:
Robot Control: Managing robotic hardware such as arms, mobile robots, or drones.
Path Planning and Navigation: Algorithms for mapping, localization, and motion planning.
Sensor Integration: Processing data from cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, and other sensors.
ROS has become one of the most widely used frameworks for both research and industrial robotics.
What is “ROS”?
-A middleware framework for robot software development?
-A programming language for robots?
-A hardware platform for mobile robots?
The correct answer is:
A middleware framework for robot software development.
Explanation:
ROS (Robot Operating System) is an open-source middleware framework that provides the necessary tools, libraries, and conventions to develop, control, and integrate software components for robots. It facilitates communication between different parts of a robotic system, such as sensors, actuators, and control algorithms.
Key Characteristics:
Middleware: ROS handles communication between various software components or “nodes” in a robot.
Open-source: It is free and widely used by researchers, developers, and companies.
Modular: It allows for the development of reusable software modules for different robotic applications.
ROS is not a programming language or a hardware platform. Instead, it acts as a software framework that can be used across various robotic hardware platforms, making it highly versatile in robot development.
