Automation in Construction in brief – 21/06/2025
Automation and Digitization
John Graham-Cumming, a former Cloudflare executive, has launched lowbackgroundsteel.ai, a website archiving pre-AI content to preserve human creativity from before the AI era. Named after the Cold War’s radiation-free “low-background steel,” the archive aims to protect unadulterated human-created media. The proliferation of AI-generated content, especially after the advent of tools like ChatGPT, has made it increasingly difficult to verify the origin of online media, even halting some research projects.
SoftBank is planning an ambitious $1 trillion AI and robotics park in Arizona, dubbed ‘Project Crystal Land’. The initiative aims to create a high-tech manufacturing hub focused on AI-powered robots and automation, with backing from Vision Fund startups and potential partners like TSMC and Samsung. The project’s success hinges on government support and SoftBank’s ability to attract semiconductor and AI hardware leaders. While still in early stages, the park could significantly impact US high-tech manufacturing.
Source: https://dig.watch/updates/softbank-plans-1-trillion-ai-and-robotics-park-in-arizona
Meta and Oakley have partnered to launch Oakley Meta HSTN, a new line of AI-enabled glasses for athletes and fans. The glasses feature a built-in camera, open-ear speakers, and water resistance, with a battery life of up to eight hours. The limited-edition model will be available for preorder starting July 11 at $499 USD, with broader collection releases later this summer. The product will debut at major sporting events.
Researchers have developed a new method to optimize asphalt pavement design, combining Building Information Modeling (BIM), finite element methods, and deep learning. The BIM-FEM framework improves modeling efficiency by 68.66%, while a CNN-TCN-Attention model accurately predicts pavement performance. After optimization, rutting decreased by 10.03 mm and fatigue life increased by 0.67 billion cycles. This method shows promise for road health monitoring and digital twin applications. The study is published in the September 2025 issue of Automation in Construction.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106348
A recent study highlights the transformative role of AI-driven generative design and optimization (GD&O) in prefabricated construction (PC). Integrating GD&O with building information modeling (BIM) enhances efficiency, sustainability, and constructability. Key trends include algorithmic optimization, BIM-driven automation, sustainable design, and industry efficiency. Challenges such as algorithm complexity and data interoperability persist. Future directions involve leveraging AI for building system optimization, robotic process automation, and digital twins for real-time decision support. The global PC market is projected to grow at 6.55% annually from 2022 to 2030, driven by urbanization and energy-efficient building demands.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106350
A new paper reviews planning and control strategies in industrialized construction, analyzing 113 articles from 2015-2024. Key gaps identified include misalignment of production and assembly phases, and insufficient integration of new technologies. The study, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, calls for improved cross-phase planning and control, and highlights the need for more realistic disruption scenarios. It also provides insights for practitioners and sets an agenda for future research.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106340
A new model-based planning approach enhances 3D laser scanning of bridges. The method, utilising existing 2D plans and scanner properties, optimises scanning strategies to improve data quality and efficiency. Field tests on Germany’s Gaskugel Bridge showed superior results compared to traditional methods. The algorithm aids in planning scanning campaigns, maximising coverage and detail while reducing reliance on human expertise.
Construction Robotics
Amazon has developed an integrated robotic system, Vulcan Pick, for autonomous picking of targeted objects from cluttered and deformable shelves in warehouses. The system, operating in a live warehouse for over six months, has processed more than 12,000 customer orders with a 90% success rate. It combines classical methods with state-of-the-art computer vision, motion planning, and customized hardware to address challenges such as diverse object handling, densely packed storage, and dynamic inventories. The system includes specialized hardware components and a comprehensive evaluation based on real-world deployment data.
Amazon’s Zoox aims to produce 10,000 robotaxis annually at its new California factory, challenging Waymo and Tesla. Waymo, with over 10m paid rides, is expanding; Tesla plans a modest robotaxi rollout. Zoox, starting in Las Vegas and San Francisco, believes its unique vehicle design will attract passengers. However, Zoox lags behind Waymo, which already operates in multiple cities.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91354833/amazon-new-factory-california-robotaxis-waymo-tesla
Researchers have developed a new algorithm for 3D printing of complex hollow concrete components, addressing issues like path overlaps and excessive turning angles. The method uses reinforcement learning and Bézier curve smoothing to enhance printing accuracy and mechanical performance. Experiments validated the algorithm’s effectiveness, showing improved structural strength. Future work will extend the method to more materials and surfaces.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106290
Space Construction
Dorothee Bär is Germany’s new Minister for Education, Technology, and Space, marking the first time space has been explicitly included in a ministry’s portfolio. The coalition government plans to strengthen the European Space Agency (ESA) and increase Germany’s contribution. National initiatives include developing small research satellites, new technologies, and even sending a German astronaut to the Moon. The government also supports building new launch vehicles and a North Sea launch platform, despite maritime challenges. The ultimate goal is to reduce dependence on American space infrastructure.
Honda successfully tested a reusable rocket, reaching 890 feet before a pinpoint landing. The carmaker, better known for its vehicles, has been quietly developing rocket technology since 2021. The test, a first for Japan, demonstrates vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, crucial for reusable launch vehicles. Honda’s ultimate goal remains unclear, but it’s considering entering the satellite launch market. Meanwhile, Toyota has invested in a space startup, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries remains Japan’s primary rocket builder.
The European Space Agency (ESA) outlines its vision for Technology 2040, highlighting a future where humanity thrives in space. By 2040, ESA envisages a circular, sustainable space economy with advanced technologies enabling precise navigation, in-orbit manufacturing, and seamless communication across the Solar System. Robotic and human missions will explore the Moon and Mars, while asteroid mining will uncover valuable resources. Space habitats will be self-sustaining, and satellites designed to minimize environmental impact. The pursuit of knowledge and innovation will drive technological advances to address Earth’s challenges.
Source: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/06/Technology_2040
NASA is preparing for the Artemis III moon landing by simulating lunar lighting conditions. Engineers at the Marshall Space Flight Center are using high-intensity lights and mock-ups to study extreme lighting and shadows. The goal is to ensure mission success and astronaut safety by understanding how shadows affect lander operations. Data from these tests will aid astronaut training and tool evaluation. NASA is collaborating with SpaceX to develop the Starship Human Landing System for the mission, part of the broader Artemis campaign to explore the Moon and prepare for crewed Mars missions.
NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have strengthened their cooperation for the Artemis campaign. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro and DLR’s Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla signed an agreement to continue space medicine research, focusing on radiation mitigation. DLR will provide advanced radiation sensors for the Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch by April 2026. This mission marks the first crewed test flight under Artemis. The collaboration aims to protect astronauts from space radiation on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during ground tests in Texas, with no reported injuries. The failure was attributed to a pressurized tank malfunction. This setback may delay the rocket’s tenth test flight, initially planned for June 29. Starship has faced multiple issues this year, including explosions during its seventh and ninth test flights. Despite these challenges, CEO Elon Musk remains optimistic about the program’s timeline, aiming for a Mars mission in 2026.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/19/spacexs-starship-blows-up-ahead-of-10th-test-flight/
