Joint Research MOU on Construction Robots Signed in July 2023
Automation of High-Risk Material Transport Tasks
Improved Efficiency by Separating Worker and Material Movement Paths
Samsung C&T and Hyundai Construction have unveiled the results of their joint research and development on a 'Smart Material Transport Robot' specialized for construction sites. The two companies are working to advance smart construction technologies through robotics tailored to construction environments.
The 'Smart Material Transport Robot' jointly developed by Samsung C&T and Hyundai Construction is loading and transporting materials on site. Photo by Samsung C&T, Hyundai Construction
On July 6, Samsung C&T's Engineering & Construction Group and Hyundai Construction announced that they held an on-site demonstration of their jointly developed material transport robot for construction sites on July 3 at the Hyundai Construction Incheon Cheongna Hana Dream Town site. During the event, they demonstrated the robot's commercial viability and effectiveness for construction sites, and outlined plans to further enhance the robot's capabilities through pilot operations at domestic sites in the future.
The two companies signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 2023 to build an ecosystem for construction robotics and to conduct joint research and development. This demonstration marks the first public unveiling of their two-year collaboration. The event was attended by key officials from both companies, including So Byungsik, Head of Engineering Innovation at Samsung C&T (Vice President), and Kim Jaeyoung, Head of the Technology Research Institute at Hyundai Construction.
The transport robot introduced this time automates repetitive and high-risk material transport tasks at construction sites. In addition, by recognizing both workers and materials and separating their movement paths, the robot improves work efficiency and helps prevent safety accidents.
The 'Smart Material Transport Robot' jointly developed by Samsung C&T and Hyundai Construction is loading and transporting materials on site. Photo by Samsung C&T, Hyundai Construction
The robot is equipped with several advanced technologies: 3D vision-based pallet shape and picking hole recognition, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) for autonomous navigation by mapping the environment and determining its own position, transport task management and robot control systems, and automatic docking for charging. The significance lies in the combination of the companies' accumulated know-how in construction sites and robotics, resulting in a solution optimized for real-world construction environments.
The automatic pallet recognition and picking technology significantly enhance the accuracy and safety of repetitive heavy material transport tasks. The autonomous driving algorithm and obstacle detection technology enable efficient navigation even in complex site environments. In addition, a remote control system that visualizes travel routes and obstacle locations in real time allows for integrated control and efficient operation of multiple robots simultaneously at large-scale sites.
Through this ground transport technology demonstration, the two companies plan to expand development to include vertical transport functions and robots capable of handling complex movement paths. Samsung C&T serves as the chair company of the 'Smart Construction Alliance' launched in July 2023 under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, while Hyundai Construction leads the Big Data and Platform Technology Committee and heads the Construction Robotics Subcommittee.
Kim Jaeyoung, Head of the Technology Research Institute at Hyundai Construction, commented, "This demonstration has confirmed the feasibility of horizontal transport automation technology and has provided an opportunity to explore its expansion into various construction automation technologies. The automation and adoption of robotics in construction sites is now an essential task not only for productivity improvement, but also to address labor shortages and ensure safety. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance the effectiveness of construction automation technologies and develop field-oriented robotics solutions by strengthening technological integration and advancement across the smart construction ecosystem."
So Byungsik, Head of Engineering Innovation at Samsung C&T (Vice President), stated, "The material transport robot is the first achievement of joint research and development between construction companies and marks the starting point for ecosystem creation. In an environment where the digital transformation of the industry is accelerating through AI and digital twins, the emergence and utilization of robots is inevitable and forms the foundation for unmanned construction sites. Samsung C&T will continue to secure proprietary technological capabilities and enhance future competitiveness through phased and proactive preparations for data-driven robot development and operation."
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