Trimble and Boston Dynamics have created a strategic alliance to integrate construction data collection technologies with Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot.
The joint-solution will combine the Spot robot’s autonomous mobility with Trimble’s data collection sensors and field control software to enable automation of repetitive tasks such as site scans, surveying and progress monitoring, while taking advantage of the robot’s ability to navigate dynamic and potentially unsafe environments.
As well, the partnership gives Trimble the exclusive ability to sell and support the Spot robot with integrated scanning, total station and GNSS technologies for the construction market.
Trimble technologies, integrated with the Spot robot, enable accurate, scalable and rapid data acquisition, while Trimble’s construction collaboration platforms provide a continuous flow of information between field and office.Â
“Robots will play a crucial role in automated construction workflows and can augment the human workforce by handling dirty, dull and dangerous tasks,” said Martin Holmgren, general manager of Building Field Solutions at Trimble.Â
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Mortenson, a United States-based builder, developer and engineering services provider is one of the first customers to leverage the new technology combination.
In this spirit of eliminating jobsite waste and increasing efficiency, Mortenson has been piloting Spot robots with Trimble’s SPS986 GNSS solutions to autonomously navigate challenging exterior construction environments such as solar farms to continuously document existing site conditions.
An automated and repeatable approach to field data capture can provide Mortenson with real-time awareness of project status, helping to accelerate project delivery.Â
“Our experience with early adopters like Mortenson gave us visibility into the transformative potential of an integrated solution that seamlessly marries a world-class robot with construction-specific sensors and workflows,” Holmgren said.
“We’re excited about this alliance and the potential to bring unprecedented improvements in safety, quality and productivity to our construction customers.”Â
Through Trimble’s Early Experience Program, contractors such as Mortenson have advanced access to the technology for the purposes of evaluating its suitability in actual construction projects.
 “We believe the combination of Trimble’s experience and industry leadership in construction technologies and Boston Dynamics’ Spot can transform the way the industry operates,” said Michael Perry, vice president of business development at Boston Dynamics.
“The integrated solution will enable any jobsite leader to deploy Spot and Trimble technologies to get an accurate view of construction progress through real-time data collection. With a more comprehensive view of site activity, project managers can take proactive measures to ensure on-time, on-budget and safer project delivery.”
The integrated solution is expected to be available by the second quarter 2021 through Boston Dynamics, Trimble and select BuildingPoint and SITECH distribution partners in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
