Every now and then, I contemplate what will be the next big thing in mechanizing building. This is probably a consequence of growing up on a farm.
There are probably quite a few simple operations that could be performed by machine, but the costs and drawbacks of a robot are significant when compared to hiring a human to do the job. This has set my creative juices flowing.
People tend to turn to machines when 1) the task requires significant energy input, or 2) a machine can condense a series of actions into a more simple action for the operator.
Power saws, routers and drills fit the first category, as we can now use energy from the power plant instead of muscular power. Concrete trucks, stone slingers, cranes, and telehandlers definitely fit here, as well.
I can’t think of all that many tools that fit the second category. Air nailers of all kinds are definite candidates. They reduce the process of grabbing a nail (with proper orientation), placing a nail, and driving the nail into a far faster one-handed process of nailer placement. Kapow kapow.
Makes me wonder where modern robotics might take us next. I don’t see much progress happening in the first category – we already have machines to lift and move heavy things, so if we’re not using them now, we’re not going to see robot exoskeletons and other esoteric contraptions.
It does make me wonder what complex actions might be simplified via machines. We could already have automatic saws for rough carpentry, feeding in 2x stock, but we don’t. You’d still need someone to carry the lumber around anyway, so he might as well make the cuts and save you from buying, maintaining and transporting the robot. And he’ll clean up after himself, too.
Time will tell.
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I think it will be a while before robotic automation hits mainstream building. One reason is that customer demand seems to always want some sort of special 'uniqueness' in their house. It's funny... we're all willing, within limits, to buy the same cars and trucks, the same clothes, appliances, electronics, etc. But when it comes to the house it's important to be different.
Of course there is a segment of the market that goes for pre-fab houses or components thereof. That's where I suspect automation will happen first (if it already hasn't).
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”
Have you seen any of the This Old House episodes lately? Tedd Benson's operation has a computer cutting every stud, complete with aligned holes for plumbing and electrical, all being panelized in a factory.
It's truly incredible. And a little scary (career-wise) if you like using a skilsaw in the open air...
k
"I like long walks on the beach and using my skilsaw in the open air."
We'd be a perfect couple, then. LOL. NTTAWWI.
I had a renter who's a Norwegian architect, he said it's all panelized over there. hammers and skilsaws are pretty much unheard of on jobsites. we'll probably get there soon.
I'm fortunate b/c the bay area is mostly built out (resisentially, anyway), so robotic automation isn't a huge pressure. all those perfect 90 degree corners would be useless for remodeling the old homes sliding down the east bay hills...
k
CNC and CAD to cut out parts for cabinetry and millwork
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Zactly what I was thinking. There's not much in cabinets that can't be run through robotics. CAD designed cab dimensions fed into the CNC. Just need a body to feed the machines. Probably a body to install the drawer hardware and hang the doors too.
Doors are another item that can be all robotic, even custom width/heights.
I designed a robot that will build any custom home directly from drawings and specs. Takes about 2 weeks start to finish, but that's only 3500 sq'. Bigger homes will take a little longer. And I'm running this special deal right now, for only a dollar a month I will not send "Buildor" into your working area.
See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net
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Edited 12/7/2008 8:31 pm by Ted W.
I'm surprised that there isn't a metal wall making machine yet. I'd envision it as a trailer you would bring to the job site and load with a couple of rolls of sheet steel. It would roll and weld entire wall sections to order, either bare stud frames or 16ga. structural walls complete with shear skin of 22ga. steel, continuously welded. It could even blow foam into the cavities as it went along, so it would be fully cured by the time it was ready to install.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
I know you are thinking of jobsite manufacturing, but the process is all there, from the factory. Back in the early eighties, I help[ed buiold a jail; that was all prebuilt panels to be stitched on site with migwelders
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