Rugged Robots: Layout-Printing Construction Solutions

The Rising Impact of Robotics in Construction

The construction sector stands to gain significantly from recent advancements in robotics. This industry is experiencing substantial growth and is particularly well-suited for automation. The need for robotic solutions has been further emphasized by the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which temporarily halted operations for many non-essential businesses.

Several companies within this field have secured considerable funding in the past year. These include Toggle, Dusty, Scaled, and SkyMul, demonstrating increased investor confidence in construction robotics.

Rugged Robotics: Pioneering Layout Automation

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Houston, Rugged Robotics completed a $2.5 million seed funding round in 2019. Currently, the company is not actively seeking further investment. However, they have initiated early-stage deployments of their technology, notably through a collaboration with Consigli, a construction firm based in Massachusetts.

Jack Moran of Consigli noted the firm’s proactive approach to adopting new technologies. The project involved a complex building with unique architectural features, presenting a significant challenge for traditional layout methods.

Rugged Robotics’ innovative system, described as a “layout Roomba,” was utilized in the construction of a ten-story building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This involved precisely marking blueprints directly onto the floor, covering approximately 40,000 square feet per level.

This deployment represents a crucial transition for Rugged Robotics, moving the company from research and development into commercial application.

The Importance of Accurate Layout

Derrick Morse, founder and CEO of Rugged Robotics, highlighted the critical role of accurate layout in construction. He explained in an interview with TechCrunch that precise marking of installation locations is fundamental to the entire building process.

Errors during the layout phase can lead to costly rework, project delays, and increased expenses. Therefore, optimizing this process is paramount for efficiency and cost control.

Team and Technology

The Rugged Robotics team remains relatively small, consisting of around six full-time employees. The team’s expertise is bolstered by the backgrounds of its co-founders, who have experience at NASA and Samsung.

Currently, the company operates three robots, with plans to expand the fleet to five. These robots utilize dot matrix ink patterns to provide construction teams with a clear, real-world reference for building layouts.

Robotics as a Service (RaaS) Model

A Rugged Robotics team member accompanies the robot to the construction site to oversee its operation. The company employs a Robotics as a Service (RaaS) model, charging construction companies for the use of the technology.

Morse stated that customer demand is exceptionally high. Several large-scale contractors have expressed strong interest in piloting and demonstrating the technology. The company anticipates growth in both its team size and robot fleet over the next year, potentially requiring additional capital to support this expansion.