High-Risk Tasks Replaced by 'Robots'... Samsung C&T Leads Smart Construction

[K-Construction, New Challenge]
Developed and Utilized Anchor Installation and Drill Boring Robots
"Establishing an Ecosystem to Ensure Expertise and Safety at Construction Sites"

Samsung C&T is actively introducing robot technology to construction sites to replace high-risk tasks, leading the smart construction market. Representative examples include the Access Floor installation robot (hereinafter Floor Robot), anchor installation robot, and drill perforation robot.

The Access Floor Installation Robot Used by Samsung C&T at Construction Sites / Photo by Samsung C&T

The Floor Robot, commercialized by Samsung C&T in 2021, is a robot used to install the double-floor structure known as the Access Floor. Access Floor installation, mainly adopted in semiconductor factories, clean rooms, and data center server rooms, involves installing supports at a certain height above the subfloor and then covering them with upper panels. The Floor Robot autonomously moves and installs upper panels weighing about 10 kg.

Since Access Floors can be installed at heights of up to 6 meters or more depending on the site, there is a risk of safety accidents such as worker falls. However, Samsung C&T reported that the use of the Floor Robot has reduced the likelihood of such accidents.

Samsung C&T is also applying robot technology to perform simple and high-risk tasks such as anchor installation, drill perforation, and fireproof spraying. These tasks require workers to operate in awkward postures on ceilings or upper walls, posing significant safety risks.

The construction anchor robot automates all tasks including drilling, punching, and nutting for anchor installation. It won the Grand Prize for Innovation in the Smart Safety category at last year’s Smart Construction Challenge. This year, the 4th generation model received the Grand Prize for Innovation in the complex and housing sector.

Starting development of the 1st generation anchor robot in 2019, Samsung C&T confirmed its feasibility for on-site construction in the initial phase. Since then, it has evolved through four generations with stages of 'successful unmanned operation → increased usability through miniaturization and weight reduction → expansion of applicable anchor robot types → securing operational convenience.' It was also utilized at the construction site of Raemian One Bailey (integrated reconstruction of Sinbanpo 3rd and Gyeongnam Apartments) in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Regarding the drill perforation robot, in June 2021, it became the first construction robot in Korea to receive the 'Collaborative Robot Installation Workplace Safety Certificate' issued by the Korea Robot Users Association. Unlike industrial robots, construction robots move while working, requiring separate safety certification. Currently, among the equipment used at Samsung C&T sites, the Floor Robot and drill perforation robot have obtained this certification.

Samsung C&T is also strengthening collaboration on robot development with specialized robot companies and industry peers. For example, in July last year, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Doosan Robotics to develop collaborative robot solutions for the construction sector. Both companies are investing in technology centered on equipment automation such as automatic welding and cable laying, cooperating to expand robot utilization in construction.

In April this year, Samsung C&T signed a strategic MOU with Hyundai Engineering & Construction to establish an ecosystem for construction robots and conduct joint research and development. The agreement focuses on jointly promoting demonstration projects to increase robot utilization and researching safety-specialized robots. Furthermore, they plan to build an alliance in the construction robot field and continuously expand research, development, and commercialization networks.

A Samsung C&T official said, "The construction industry is transforming into an industry that creates new value by leveraging technological capabilities. We will expand the development of construction automation technologies using robots and create a new ecosystem that ensures both expertise and safety at construction sites through diverse collaborations."