The Robotics Revolution: Construction Methods Reducing Cost, Increasing Productivity and Creating Wealth

The construction industry is ripe for disruption.

Emerging technologies – such as robotics, materials technology, building information modelling, 3D printing and wireless sensing and autonomous equipment have the potential to transform the $14 trillion global industry.

The highly precise and repeatable nature of potential construction robots could lead to faster builds with fewer mistakes.

While challenges remain for new technologies within the industrial and construction sectors, Australia has a bright future with more than more than 1100 companies nationally specialising in robotics.

At this year's Urbanity ’18, expert panellists will explore the latest methods and the impact that technology is having on reducing costs, increasing productivity and delivering greater returns.

Related: Why Developers Need to Better Understand the Power of Data

Industry specialists Dr Sue Keay of ARC Centre of Excellence for Robotic Vision, Matt Hemming of Mitchell Brandtman and Joel Hutchines of CNSTRCT will investigate the future of technologies within the construction industry as well as the pathways to automation.

With 18 years of industry experience Matt Hemming's market intelligence and thought leadership is highly respected.

Matt is a partner at Mitchell Brandtman and manages the national 5D Cost Planning Team who specialise in leveraging Building Information Models to provide clients with a new level of cost certainty that is unrivalled in the industry.

Related: Australian Bricklaying Robot Could Build 30 Million New Homes Globally

Fellow panelist Joel Hutchines is the founder and chief executive of construction tech startup CNSTRCT.

Joel explores the boundaries of automation and the latest technology to unearth efficient methods of integrating all stages of the design and construction process.

“Today, technology is enabling us to break down many of the traditional barriers within our industry – both on a project delivery and at a relationship level, changing the way we engage with projects and each other to provide a more certain outcome,” Cnstrct founder Joel Hutchines told The Urban Developer.

“It’s only the tip of the iceberg. I can’t wait to push this further as technology rapidly develops over the next decade.”

Rounding out the discussion will be Dr Sue Keay, the chief operating officer of ARC Centre of Excellence for Robotic Vision.

Sue has more than 20 years experience in the research sector managing and ensuring impact from multidisciplinary R&D programs and teams.

As ARC's COO and Roadmap Chair Sue Keay, robotics may hold both a number of exciting solutions and viable opportunities for the infrastructure sector.

“The opportunity of robotic technology is transformative,” Keay says.

“It’s a bit like a reset button – we change the way we do things. Maybe robotics is a bit safer and a bit more productive, but it actually allows us to do things right and better,” Keay said.

This exciting discussion will help unlock the unrealised potential of the robotics revolution within manufacturing, design, infrastructure and even the social sciences.

To secure your place at Urbanity or learn more about the program click here.

Our panellists will join more than 50 speakers at Urbanity ’18. Learn more about speakers, topics, social events, workshops, site tours or tickets by clicking here.