We Let the Dog Out: Autonomous Site Documentation with SPOT

However, the use of SPOT on construction sites is not yet standard practice in the sector. Compared to other industries, digitalisation in construction is generally lagging behind. In order to drive the digital transformation forward, the management consultancy Roland Berger has identified four levers on the basis of a management survey among construction players: Digital Data, Digital Access, Networks and Automation. Top management from the construction and building supplies industry sees particularly high potential in automation in connection with production and construction. Automation means creating autonomous, self-organising systems using new technologies. SPOT is such a system and thus a potential innovation driver for STRABAG.

Using the robot dog primarily offers STRABAG new potential for autonomous construction site documentation. This requires SPOT for example to be able to climb stairs and to master rough construction site terrain. STRABAG already uses SPOT to carry out regular photo documentation in the form of 360° shots on construction sites. In addition, mobile laser scanning is being tested to compare the actual state of the construction site with its digital twin. In the future, further potential for robotic-assisted construction activities can be identified. SPOT could not only be used for recording, but also to perform handling activities or to serve as an autonomous positioning tool for placing coordinates.

“As a leading construction technology group, we are always on the lookout for innovative solutions that drive digitalisation in the construction industry. We believe that the application of automation and robotics is groundbreaking for the future. Using SPOT is also resource-saving and precise. In addition to comprehensive and almost gapless data sets, time savings can be achieved in the recording process and new possibilities for the automated analysis of image data can be opened up. We always create transparency when cooperating and working in partnership with all project participants.“

Dr. Marco Xaver Bornschlegl

Subdivision Manager Application Service & Data Science / CISO

We currently test the use of SPOT intensively on STRABAG construction sites. The aim is to first find out how effectively robot technology can cope with the highly variable conditions on the construction site and to define possible applications for the future. It is clear, however, that robotics already plays an essential role in capturing the digital construction site.