Samsung C&T is leading the smart construction market by actively introducing robotic technology to replace high-risk tasks on construction sites. Notable examples include floor robots for access floor construction, anchor construction robots, and drilling robots.
In 2021, Samsung C&T commercialized a floor robot, used for installing access floors, a double-floor structure. This type of floor construction, typically introduced in semiconductor factories, clean rooms, and data center computer rooms, involves installing supports at a certain height above the lower floor and then covering them with upper panels. The floor robot autonomously moves to install these approximately 10 kg upper panels.
Access floor construction can involve heights of up to 6 meters or more, posing a risk of falls and other safety accidents for workers. However, Samsung C&T reports that the use of floor robots has reduced the possibility of such accidents.
Additionally, Samsung C&T is applying robotic technology for simple high-risk tasks such as anchor construction, drilling, and fireproof substance spraying. These tasks often require workers to perform in uncomfortable postures on ceilings or upper parts of the walls, increasing the risk of accidents.
The construction anchor robot, an automated device for drilling, punching, and screwing on nuts for anchor installation, received the highest innovation award in the Smart Safety category of the Smart Construction Challenge last year.
Development of the first-generation anchor robot began in 2019, confirming its on-site construction feasibility. It has evolved through four generations, achieving milestones like “success in unmanned operation,” “increased utility due to miniaturization and lightening,” “expansion of applicable anchor types,” and “enhanced operational convenience.”
In June 2021, the drilling robot became the first construction robot in Korea to receive a Collaborative Robot Installation Workplace Safety Certification from the Korea Robot User Association. Unlike industrial robots, construction robots require separate safety certification due to their mobile nature. Currently, the floor robots and drilling robots utilized at Samsung C&T sites have received this certification.