The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been taking significant steps towards integrating robotic technology on its job sites, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in construction and inspection processes. Among the advanced machines at their disposal are TyBOT, the rebar-tying robot, Spot, the data-collection robot, and WALL-E, the robot specialized in storm-drain inspections.
According to a recent report by TxDOT, these robots are drastically improving work conditions by mitigating potential dangers and automating repetitive tasks. TyBOT made its debut in May 2022 on the SH 302 Highway Project in the Odessa area, designed to quickly and safely tie rebar. Its implementation aims not only to accelerate the process but also to significantly reduce the physical strain on workers. "TyBOT allows one operator to stand upright and tie the rebar using a joystick," Saul Romero, director of construction in Odessa, told TxDOT.
Spot, a creation of Boston Dynamics, brings agility and precision to on-site inspections by collecting data for 3D models and monitoring progress. This semi-autonomous robot can adaptively navigate obstacles and challenging terrain, further ensuring employee safety. "Spot enables accurate, scalable and rapid data collection and a continuous flow of information between field and office," Matthew Bryant from TxDOT's engineering services team stated in an interview with TxDOT. With the ability to carry loads close to 30 pounds, Spot proves indispensable in data collection and traversing environments where workers might otherwise face hazards.
WALL-E, the storm-drain inspection robot, is another pioneer on TxDOT's roster. This machine is deployed for examining potentially dangerous storm drains and culverts. "There are unknown hazards sometimes that are in storm drains and covets, like snakes, rats and debris, so we would send WALL-E in vs. sending someone else in, being in danger and getting hurt," John Gordon, a storm drain inspector with TxDOT, emphasized the safety benefits of the robot in a statement obtained by TxDOT.
TxDOT is set to bolster its robotic fleet this spring with two additional units of Spot, humorously intending to name them TX and DOT. These robots are part of TxDOT's larger mission to leverage technology to safeguard workers and streamline operations. "The idea of having a tool like this within the department is truly to keep us as safe as possible. It is completely safety driven," Bryant highlighted the primary motive for these technological advancements in a conversation with TxDOT.
