Why Engineers Are Increasingly Reliant on Remote Technology
Some people think that automation represents a threat, either to a specific job or to an entire industry. Yet technology can also present opportunities that may never have been possible before and can lead to innovations that prove to be beneficial, rather than disruptive. This is proving to be the case in the world of engineering and design, where autonomous machines and drone technology can augment the work of the expert, saving costs and time, while contributing to job-site security and enhancing the bottom line. How have advances in these areas contributed to success?
Streamlining the Process
Modern-day construction projects are notoriously complex and rely on the intensive use of resources, labour and time. Designers and engineers need to focus on an ever-growing raft of data and are constantly referring, checking, and revisiting along the way. To help streamline this process, the latest technology is being used to great effect.
Efficiency and Feedback
For example, autonomous vehicles are now being employed at work sites as they can operate with high levels of efficiency, while reducing the risk to operators or other workers. These vehicles can be preprogrammed using GPS techniques and feature collision avoidance technology and other innovations. Furthermore, they can provide detailed feedback to engineers who can then make adjustments far more efficiently and keep the job ahead of schedule.
Ease of Access
Drones also come into the picture and can often complete tasks that would have been beyond the capability of conventional machinery. They can help to improve the all-important safety margin, as personnel are not exposed to as much risk. The autonomous machinery can be used in areas where personnel may otherwise have been exposed to long-term threats associated with contaminants, vibration or noise.
Analyse and Share
In the office, engineers and project managers can now use data that is provided by drones fitted with 3-D laser-scanning technology. They can then map out the project site and analyse the statistics for forward planning purposes. This browser-based technology can be shared with other users at a remote location and this can often save the need for expensive travel and time commitment.
First Person View
Ultimately, there's nothing like first-hand experience and drones can provide engineers with more detail in a shorter space of time than it would have taken them to create a digital projection using complex software. The images captured can be used in the modelling process and this will invariably reduce the costs they would otherwise incur by sending specialists into a volatile environment.
Using the Technology
Ask your design engineers how they can use machine automation and drone technology to benefit your construction process.