With the construction industry already suffering from a labor shortage when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, interest in autonomous technology has doubled since March, according to an article in Bisnow. Prior to the pandemic, customer interest was more focused on researching the capabilities of that technology. Now they want to use it.
Over the past two years, San Francisco-based Built Robotics has deployed an artificial intelligence guidance system that may help insulate construction firms from further business disruption. The system can be retrofitted to existing machinery, such as excavators and bulldozers, and allows machines to work without a human operator.
“The shift has been interesting in that it's kind of similar to grocery delivery. The technology was valued and appreciated before COVID hit. And people were thinking about it as, OK, this is something I need to get on. I have a couple years to think about it, integrate it,” Erol Ahmed, Built Robotics director of communications, told Bisnow.
Although interest has doubled, the customer base for the technology still remains small as Built Robotics typically partners with major construction companies. Those firms have the infrastructure and support to dedicate to implementing the technology.
With demand rising faster than expected in 2020, Built Robotics is now working to meet that demand. According to the article, they are aiming to eventually offer remote technology to customers of any size.
“We're out commercially, but now it's a question of scalability. And I would say we have internally adjusted our own benchmarks and milestones for next year to be a lot more aggressive,” Ahmed said.