Automation in Construction in brief – 01/06/2025
Automation and Digitization
Egyptian researchers unveiled a system combining Ground Penetrating Radar, deep learning, and Augmented Reality to automate subsurface utility detection. Using multi-sensor data fusion and a Mask R-CNN model, the framework improves signal accuracy and detection precision. An AR app enables intuitive visualization of buried infrastructure, offering a safer, faster, and more reliable method for managing urban utilities amid growing infrastructure demands.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106299
Researchers proposed a semantic digital twin framework (DiCon-DT) to monitor construction workflows by integrating fragmented data through a modular ontology network. The system enables predictive simulation and cognitive insights via a semantic data lake. Validated through a real-world case, the framework offers a holistic, automated approach to managing dynamic construction processes and is a step toward smarter, data-driven project oversight.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106301
According to TechCrunch, agentic AI offers substantial benefits for small businesses by enabling proactive decision-making and efficient responses to customer concerns and operational challenges. Umair Javed, CEO of Tkxel, highlights that agentic AI can autonomously handle complex tasks, such as automating customer support and managing inventory, which enhances productivity and scalability. This technology allows small businesses to leverage advanced AI capabilities, fostering growth and innovation in a competitive landscape.
Matthias Niessner, a leading AI researcher, has founded SpAItial to pioneer spatial foundation models, advanced AI systems designed to generate comprehensive, coherent 3D environments from text prompts. This technology represents a significant leap from traditional 2D image generation, aiming to create interactive and realistic 3D worlds for diverse applications, from video games to digital twins and robotic training, envisioning a future where users can effortlessly create detailed 3D spaces.
Construction Robotics
A team of researchers developed a semi-autonomous drone equipped with a robotic arm to perform ultrasonic crack-depth measurements on concrete structures. The system, capable of sub-millimetre accuracy, maintains contact mid-flight using closed-loop force control. Field-tested on the T9 Metsovo bridge in Greece, the UAV avoids risky manual inspections and promises faster, safer, and more precise monitoring of aging infrastructure
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106296
Humanoid robot boxing has debuted, featuring Unitree’s G1 robots in kickboxing matches at the China Media Group World Robot Tournament. This event highlights advancements in robotics, showcasing agility and human-like movements. While it emphasizes China’s progress, it also sparks interest in seeing high-profile robots like Tesla’s Optimus in the ring, blending entertainment with a demonstration of robotic capabilities in a novel sport.
Hugging Face introduced two open-source humanoid robots, HopeJR and Reachy Mini. HopeJR, a full-size model with 66 degrees of freedom, can perform complex movements, while Reachy Mini is a smaller, desktop version for AI testing. Priced at around $3,000 and $250-$300 respectively, these robots aim to make advanced robotics accessible. Shipping is expected by the end of the year, following their acquisition of Pollen Robotics.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/29/hugging-face-unveils-two-new-humanoid-robots/
Veho and Rivr are piloting an innovative approach to parcel delivery in Austin, utilizing Rivr’s dog-like robots to navigate the final 100 meters from van to doorstep. These robots, described as “a dog on roller skates,” aim to tackle the challenging last segment of delivery, a task simple for humans but complex for robots. The pilot program, starting with one supervised robot, seeks to gather data and refine the technology, reducing the physical workload on drivers.
Space Construction
ESA and the German Aerospace Center have conducted a simulated moonwalk at the LUNA facility in Germany to prepare for high-definition lunar video broadcasts. The tests aim to capture dynamic lunar scenes—such as astronauts exiting the lander and taking selfies—in color, digital, and up to 60 frames per second. Challenges include lunar dust, lighting, and limited bandwidth. Experts from 28 nations are refining encoding standards to ensure consistent, high-quality imagery for future missions.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has inaugurated the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) at Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare in Villigen, marking its first permanent presence in Switzerland. Developed in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), ESDI aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application in space technologies. The centre’s first platform, Phi-Lab, will support interdisciplinary research in quantum, data, and materials sciences, with funding programs commencing in 2025. ESDI is supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the ETH Domain.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed a robot for potential missions to Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons known for its icy surface and subsurface ocean that may harbor signs of life. Initially intended for Europa, a moon of Jupiter, the robot was tested on Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier and is capable of handling extreme conditions and autonomously drilling for samples. Despite successful trials on Europa, the mission was shelved due to significant radiation challenges. Focus has now shifted to Enceladus, which offers a less harsh environment and has shown signs of biosignatures in its water plumes.
China has launched the Tianwen-2 spacecraft, marking a significant step in its Solar System exploration. The mission aims to collect samples from the asteroid Kamoʻoalewa by 2027 and subsequently explore the comet-like object 311P/PanSTARRS in the asteroid belt. This ambitious endeavor underscores China’s growing capabilities in space, following its successful Mars landing with Tianwen-1 in 2021.
SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight marked progress as it successfully launched and reached its intended trajectory, overcoming issues from previous attempts. However, new challenges arose during the mission, including a fuel leak that caused a loss of control and prevented key objectives, such as testing the heat shield during reentry. Despite setbacks, the flight provided valuable data for future improvements, as SpaceX continues to refine its ambitious spacecraft designed for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Space Forge, a U.K. startup based in Cardiff, has secured £22.6 million in Series A funding to pioneer the production of semiconductor materials in space. Leveraging the unique conditions of microgravity, Space Forge aims to create advanced materials with fewer defects, enhancing performance for applications in quantum computing and defense. Backed by NATO and partnered with Northrop Grumman, the company plans to launch its first demonstrator mission later this year, marking a significant step in space-based manufacturing.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/31/space-forge-raises-30m-series-a-to-make-chip-materials-in-space/
