AUTOMATING CONCRETE WORK IN JAPAN

Abstract

The construction industry in Japan is aggressively pursuing the application of robotics-related technologies, such as electronics, in all phases of the construction process, including research, planning, design, construction, and maintenance and management of facilities. Introducing automation technology is expected to help solve many problems such as high accident rates, stagnant labor productivity, and labor shortages. Current automation technology and robotics in concrete work are listed and discussed including the following: concrete distributors, horizontal concrete distributor, concrete distribution crane, automatic control pressing crane, concrete distributor for dam construction, automatic form vibrator, floor finishing robot, forms for dams, concrete spraying robot, and laitance removal unit for dams.