B4 - Brennan Connolly - Robotics in Building Operation

Robotics in Building Operation

              Advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence have led to a number of opportunities for buildings to operate without the need for human interaction. Currently, HVAC, lighting, and security systems all can be controlled through a central system by a human. With time, newer and more effective systems will allow building owners to control other aspects around their facility in order to increase daily efficiency. In this paper, I will discuss current and potential robotic systems, list the ways in which they could change how buildings operate, and lastly talk about the limitations of each robotic system.

               Some of the robotic systems I plan to discuss in my paper include kinetic façades, automated lighting/HVAC systems, and partner robots that help with simple tasks. Kinetic façades are being combined with photovoltaic panels on some buildings in order to maximize the amount of energy saved on the project. In the RMIT Design Hub, architects designed a façade that not only responds to the amount of natural light hitting it, but can also use that light to power some of its systems. (Sean Godsell Architects, n.d.) In terms of lighting, Philips’ Hue is a product line which allows you to customize you’re the look of your space and be in complete control of it from any device you want, including your smartphone. (Philips, n.d.) This allows the owner of the space to set the mood, and be more in control of how clients/customers/visitors/etc. react to the space. Smart HVAC systems work in similar ways in that they will allow the owner to define how they want the space to feel.

              What I am calling “interactive robots” are just robots that are physical, moving robots that utilize AI to interact with humans in some form. Today there are several various examples of them but none of them are  very common to see. One of the ones that is most frequently discussed is the hospital robot that is called, “Tug”. Tug helps nurses and doctors out by carrying things in a hospital from one place to another using a simple computer system. (AETHON, n.d.) A similar robotics company used that idea to create a robot that acts as room service in a hotel, delivering anything you order right to your room. “Botlr” can act both as a tourist attraction, and as an employee for hotels with its ability to efficiently travel from the front desk to any room while carrying anything a hotel guest could need. (TechCrunch, 2014) My last example of an interactive robot is made by the company, Vespa. It acts as your personal companion, carrying things like groceries or luggage. This robot is more personal to one person and not necessarily to a building but it’s easy to see how the technology could help in buildings like nursing homes, engineering offices, and medical facilities. (McFarland, 2017)

References

AETHON. (n.d.). Tug Healthcare. Retrieved from AETHON: http://www.aethon.com/tug/tughealthcare/

McFarland, M. (2017, January 31). Vespa's new robot will carry your groceries. Retrieved from CNN: http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/31/technology/vespa-robot-gita/

Philips. (n.d.). Meet Hue. Retrieved from Philips: http://www2.meethue.com/en-us/

Sean Godsell Architects. (n.d.). RMIT Design Hub. Retrieved from Sean Godsell Architects: http://www.seangodsell.com/rmit-design-hub

TechCrunch. (2014, August 22). Botlr The First Hotel Robot. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIK-_VDPbps

Responses 

Prahlad - I find your project to be interesting since you seem to be focusing on how drones can be used during construction. In my opinion, the use of drones in the near future will be for surveying and capturing what sites look like from any angle. Although I do see other potential benefits when drones are able to lift smaller objects, maybe they can deliver tools/materials to workers on high levels. 

Andrew - This project is one that I would be the most excited to read and learn about. VR is really starting to take off right now and it seems once it can be fully integrated into the construction industry that it can provide the user with an incredible experience. You mention that finding enough research may become an issue. One tip I have is to be also look at Augmented Reality (AR), this may provide more results useful for your project.

Rachel -  I think our projects have similar challenges since there are so many different types of robotics being developed today. I think robotics, if used appropriately, will change the way buildings are designed. If we know that a building is going to be designed near perfectly, architects can show more "exciting" designs.