MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023
Pittsburgh-based Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc., a provider of robotics equipment for the construction industry, recently completed their first ever rebar tying robot project in Wisconsin.
The TyBOT, reportedly ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying tool that “self-navigates, self-ties and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew,” according the the company. It was first introduced in 2018 and has since won several awards in the construction industry.
This recent project was reportedly the robot’s furthest venture westward, as it completed 17,823 ties in two shifts over a 7,775 square foot area. When production wrapped up, ACR stated that TyBOT had completed 3.5 million ties on jobs in 12 different states for over 40 projects.
The TyBOT was the “brainchild” of Stephen Muck, Chair and Chief Executive of Brayman Construction Corporation. According to reports, Muck gathered robotics experts from the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh to design the rebar-tying robot in order to combat labor shortages.
About the Project
ACR worked with MKE Iron Erectors inc., a full-service, woman-owned rebar subcontractor, to help “augment” the crew and reportedly boost productivity on the IH-39 Structure B-11-166 Bridge in Columbia County, Wisconsin.
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Pittsburgh-based Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc. (ACR), a provider of robotics equipment for the construction industry, recently completed their first ever Rebar Tying Robot (TyBOT) project in Wisconsin. |
“Resilience is one of our core values, so we are excited to be the first contractor in Wisconsin to deploy this innovative tool,” said Barb Sheedy, President and Owner of MKE Iron Erectors, Inc.
“Having TyBOT on our job site was a major asset to our crew as they finished the project on time and on budget. Just as importantly, TyBOT will provide health and safety benefits for our union ironworkers. Less tying means they will experience less physical stress, possibly extending their careers while avoiding strain injuries. We look forward to using TyBOT on future projects.”
ACR states that the completion of the TyBOT project in Wisconsin “demonstrates ACR's commitment to providing innovative solutions to the construction industry,” while they continue to break into new territories and work with more contractors.
“We are really excited to add not only a new customer but a new state to our project portfolio,” says Danielle Proctor, President & CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. “MKE Iron serves as a great example of an innovative contractor that has taken the first step on the path to creating a modern workforce by seeing first-hand how technology can impact their projects.”
TyBOT is part of ACRs “BOT Bundle,” which includes their other product, the IronBOT.
More About ACR
Last month, ACR launched the IronBot, which is capable of lifting, carrying and placing up to 5,000-pound bundles of rebar without the need for heavy lifting from crewmembers.
The IronBOT was presented at ConExpo in Las Vegas from March 14-18. Combined with ACR’s rebar-tying robot, the BOT Bundle is reported to provide 50% schedule savings during rebar installation.
According to the firm’s release, IronBOT successfully completed its inaugural project in February on the Port St. Lucie West Boulevard Bridge in Port St. Lucie, Florida, alongside Shelby Erectors. While rebar installation was originally expected to take 14 days, crews were able to complete the work in seven days using the BOT Bundle.
During the pilot, IronBOT reportedly placed 147,032 pounds of rebar while TyBOT completed 58,068 ties over 6.5 production shifts.
Additionally, ACR announced that Brayman Construction and Advantage Steel & Construction are currently the only contractors certified to provide the BOT Bundle solution as part of its newly launched Certified Innovator Program.
These Certified Innovators reportedly have dedicated crews that have completed hands-on training to optimize operations alongside the BOT Bundle, as well as incorporate the technology in their installation pricing.
According to the company’s site, IronBOT does not require pre-mapping or calibration, allowing it to be onsite and working within four to eight hours. Additionally, it can place the 5,000-pound rebar bundles in a transverse or longitudinal orientation, including epoxy-coated or black bar.
It can accommodate bridges from 27 feet to 117 feet, as well as rebar lengths from 9 feet to 60 feet. A robot supervisor is provided to monitor the robot and perform onsite maintenance.
Tagged categories: Bridges; Bridges; Completed projects; Infrastructure; Infrastructure; Program/Project Management; Rebar; Robotics; Technology; Tools & Equipment
