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Automation in Construction in brief – 22/02/2025

Automation and Digitization

Apple announced that its Vision Pro headset will receive Apple Intelligence features in April, enhancing user productivity and creativity. The visionOS 2.4 update introduces Writing Tools for text editing, Image Playground for visual content creation, and Genmoji for personalized emojis. Additionally, a new Spatial Gallery app will showcase curated spatial content, and an iPhone companion app will facilitate app downloads and device management.

Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-intelligence-comes-to-apple-vision-pro-in-april/

A recent GitClear report highlights that AI-assisted coding tools have led to an eightfold surge in code duplication since 2022, significantly increasing technical debt—the long-term cost of maintaining quick, suboptimal coding solutions.While AI expedites code reviews and documentation, Google’s 2024 DORA report notes a 7.2% decline in delivery stability.Developers now spend more time debugging AI-generated code and addressing security risks

Source: https://leaddev.com/software-quality/how-ai-generated-code-accelerates-technical-debt

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, announced plans to open-source portions of its online services’ code during an “open source week” event next week. This initiative follows the recent release of its R1 reasoning model and aims to foster innovation and collaboration in the AI community. Founder Liang Wenfeng emphasizes the cultural significance of open-source practices in advancing technology.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/21/deepseek-to-open-source-parts-of-online-services-code/

Google has unveiled an AI co-scientist based on its Gemini 2.0 model. This tool assists researchers by automating aspects of scientific research, including hypothesis testing, literature review, and data analysis. The AI can identify patterns in large datasets and suggest research directions, accelerating scientific discovery. By augmenting human expertise, it aims to enhance efficiency in fields ranging from healthcare to climate science.

Source: https://blog.google/feed/google-research-ai-co-scientist/

OpenAI has expanded the availability of Operator, its AI agent capable of autonomously performing web-based tasks, to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in multiple countries. Initially launched in the U.S., Operator can manage activities such as booking travel accommodations and making purchases online. This move aims to enhance user productivity by automating routine digital interactions.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/21/openai-rolls-out-its-ai-agent-operator-in-several-countries/

Construction Robotics

Norwegian robotics firm 1X unveiled Neo Gamma, its latest humanoid robot designed for home use, succeeding the earlier Neo Beta model. This development follows 1X’s acquisition of Kind Humanoid in January, aiming to enhance its humanoid robotics capabilities. The company plans to deploy a limited number of Neo units in select homes this year for research and development purposes.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/21/norways-1x-is-building-a-humanoid-robot-for-the-home/

Additec, a U.S. company, has integrated a metal 3D printer into a foldable 10-foot container, targeting military applications. The system features a 6 kW fiber laser, capable of processing metals like stainless steel, Inconel, aluminum, and copper, with deposition rates up to 4 kg/h. Energy autonomy is achieved through four 54 kWh Tesla batteries, charged via a solar roof, enabling operation in remote or off-grid locations.

Source: https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/technik/additive-fertigung/gedruckte-bauteile-aus-autonomen-containern/
The VDMA has launched an “Action Plan for Robotics in Europe” to enhance the continent’s competitiveness in automation. This initiative aims to counter China’s rapid advancements, which have led to a doubling of its robot density to 470 units per 10,000 workers, surpassing the EU average of 219. The plan emphasizes a European robotics offensive, increased venture capital for startups, a roadmap for competitiveness, and a focus on scalable solutions.
The International Federation of Robotics’ “World Robotics R&D Programs 2025” report reveals diverse global focuses in robotics research. China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” aims to position the nation as a leader in robotic technology by 2025, emphasizing innovation and industrial development. Japan’s new strategy targets industrial, healthcare, and agricultural applications. South Korea is investing in intelligent robot development. Europe is prioritizing AI and robotics with an emphasis on industry and healthcare. Germany is implementing an action plan for robotics research and workforce development. The United States is concentrating on foundational research in intelligent robots and autonomous systems.
A robot inspired by marine flatworms, designed for aquatic environments, uses undulating fins for propulsion rather than noisy propellers. Weighing just 6 grams, it can navigate tight spaces and transport heavy loads while blending into natural surroundings. Researchers aim to enhance its autonomy and robustness for tasks like pollution monitoring and ecological studies, with plans to further optimize its performance for real-world applications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are developing a robot equipped with a radio-based sensing system, allowing it to see through obstacles like smoke, rain, and even around corners. Using radio waves and AI, the robot creates a 3D view of its environment, offering potential applications in search-and-rescue operations. The technology could also aid in identifying concealed objects, such as weapons, with applications in both civilian and military sectors.

Space Construction

NASA has set coverage for Intuitive Machines’ next commercial moon mission, scheduled to launch in February 2025. The lunar mission will transport cargo to the Moon, demonstrating key capabilities for future lunar exploration. It marks another milestone in NASA’s efforts to involve private companies in lunar and space operations, contributing to the Artemis program’s long-term objectives of sustainable lunar presence. The mission will be broadcast live for public viewing.

Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-sets-coverage-for-intuitive-machines-next-commercial-moon-launch/

NASA’s Artemis program is progressing with the Gateway lunar space station, a key component for future Moon missions. At the Thales Alenia Space facility in Italy, construction of the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) module nears completion. Following testing, it will be shipped to Arizona for final integration before heading to Florida. This international collaboration, involving NASA, ESA, and the Italian Space Agency, marks significant strides toward expanding human exploration beyond Earth.

Source: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/nasa-marks-artemis-progress-with-gateway-lunar-space-station/

SA is developing an open-source toolchain for space-grade FPGAs, a type of chip engineered to withstand radiation, unlike conventional computer chips. These chips are specifically designed for space applications where radiation can disrupt regular electronics. The toolchain supports real-time optimization and flexibility, enabling the chips to be reprogrammed for specific tasks, which differs from traditional chips that are usually fixed in their functions. This collaboration enhances the adaptability and reliability needed for space missions.

Source: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/Developing_an_open-source_tool_for_a_European_space-grade_computer_chip