Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) has supplemented its robotics offerings with the launch of ‘Ironbot’, a robot that can lift, carry, and place nearly 2,300kg bundles of rebar in a transverse or longitudinal orientation.
Combining Ironbot with its rebar-tying ‘Tybot’ can reduce rebar installation times by 50%, ACR says.
Ironbot completed its inaugural project in February on the Port St Lucie West Boulevard Bridge in Florida.
Shelby Erectors, a contractor on the bridge project, originally estimated rebar installation would take 14 days.
However, with the use of ACR’s two robots, the company finished the task in seven.
During the pilot, Ironbot placed 66,700kg of rebar, while Tybot completed more than 58,000 ties in six-and-a-half production shifts.
‘Disruptive technology’
Jack Nix, COO of Shelby Erectors, said: “We were impressed that we could slash our rebar installation schedule in half.
“We are actively looking for new projects to incorporate the BOT Bundle in our operations.”
Stephen Muck, founder and executive chairman of ACR, said: “We are confident the combination of Tybot and Ironbot generates a disruptive technology, meaning the time and cost savings are so significant on a job that it will disrupt the way our industry installs reinforcing steel.”
ACR launched Ironbot at ConExpo in Las Vegas earlier in March.
Image credit: Advanced Construction Robotics
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