Robots may make Building Maintenance Units, BMUs, and rope access technicians redundant!
Watch the video to see the future application of Robots
Robotics and Facade Maintenance
Robotics and rope access – options for building owners to reduce costs and risk
Advances in technology are playing an increasing role in minimizing risk in the industrial space. The options for inspections of facilities building and industrial structures require some form of human involvement.
A need for change is inevitable. The rate of workplace injuries increase when a worker is exposed to heights or difficult access site.
In an effort to minimise the risk , the use of drones and robotic technology are options worth considering.
Robotic devices may not completely eliminate the need for the traditional building maintenance worker but it does make it less likely that rope access, building maintenance units (BMUs) or gantries will be the only means o perform routine maintenance tasks on the facade of a building.
Where human involvement is minimised then the risk of human error is diminished.
The video is just one recent example of the fusion of robotics and technology = mechatronics.
Drones and Autonomous Devices
Drones for Facility Condition Assessments
Drone technology has evolved dramatically in the last decade. There have been more than 1 million drones sold in Australia.
The technology is becoming more cost effective. Drones are surveying bridges, power-lines and performing roof inspections without having to waste time or money on scaffolding—there are potentially major benefits for owners and operators of facilities and infrastructure.
It is likely that owners and operators of buildings and infrastructure will begin to integrate drones for aerial surveillance of buildings and outdoor spaces in the coming years. This will allow asset managers to monitor large areas more effectively.
Commercial-use drone technology is still developing but there are many safety considerations that must be sorted not the least the risk to the public.
There are current examples of drones surveying infrastructure in Australia and industrial sites in the United States to perform detailed condition assessments.
Drones will bring unprecedented opportunities for improved efficiency in facility management. One of the biggest benefits of implementing drones during facility condition assessments is the increased safety and automation offered.