Anyone with an irrational fear of a pending robot uprising may want to look away, because they have just taken one more step towards autonomy. Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) and Trimble have announced a proof-of-concept collaboration to enable robots and machines to follow humans and other machines in industrial applications.
Many robots are currently controlled by joysticks operated in person or by telepresence from a remote location, but the new prototype eliminates the need for sole control via a joystick. The smart following technology allows humans to lead robots and machines in dynamic environments. “The follow-me technology by PFF provides an intuitive user experience and opens the door to collaborative robots that can augment the human workforce,” said Aviad Almagor, Division Vice President, Trimble’s Emerging Technologies, in a release.
PFF has componetized the smart following technology developed by PFF’s Gita robot into a stand-alone module called PFFtag. PFF and Trimble have integrated this patent-pending PFFtag smart following module prototype onto a Boston Dynamics Spot robot platform controlled by Trimble’s advanced positioning technology.
With the push of a button, a fused sensor array is activated and paired to a leader who navigates the robot or machine through construction or civil engineering spaces. PFFtag enables external partners to leverage its exclusive algorithms and allow their software to communicate with PFF’s software, enabling a human to control the robot via pairing and improving the robot’s ability to sense direction and velocity as it follows the leader. While on a site walk, waypoints can be dropped with the push of a button. Once trained by following, paths can be repeated by the robot autonomously with the ability to avoid obstacles and respond to a changing environment.
No app, tablet, or special training to operate a joystick is needed. Additionally, multiple robots or machines can be “linked” together like ducklings following their mother to create a platooning effect.
Trimble conducted testing using a Spot robot equipped with Trimble laser scanning or Global Navigation System sensors and PFFtag technology at one of its customer’s sites in Colorado over the course of two months as part of the proof-of-concept. In the future, PFF and Trimble envision robots with PFFtag having the ability to assist construction professionals in their daily workflow, carry heavy equipment, improve efficiency, and enhance worker safety.
Related Stories
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Concrete | Jan 24, 2023
Researchers investigate ancient Roman concrete to make durable, lower carbon mortar
Researchers have turned to an ancient Roman concrete recipe to develop more durable concrete that lasts for centuries and can potentially reduce the carbon impact of the built environment.
Sponsored | Resiliency | Dec 14, 2022
Flood protection: What building owners need to know to protect their properties
This course from Walter P Moore examines numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs before delving into the flood protection process. Determining the flood resilience of a property can provide a good understanding of risk associated costs.
Giants 400 | Nov 14, 2022
4 emerging trends from BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report
Regenerative design, cognitive health, and jobsite robotics highlight the top trends from the 519 design and construction firms that participated in BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
AEC Tech Innovation | Mar 9, 2022
Meet Emerge: WSP USA's new AEC tech incubator
Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator.
Great Solutions | Jan 18, 2022
Researchers develop concept for rechargeable cement-based batteries
Researchers from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, have created a concept for rechargeable batteries made of cement. The concept involves a cement-based mixture with small amounts of short carbon fibers added to increase conductivity and flexural toughness.
Great Solutions | Nov 22, 2021
Drywall robots take the risk out of the finishing process
Canvas is using robots to complement the work already being done by drywall professionals.
Great Solutions | Sep 23, 2021
Seattle looks to become America’s most walkable city with a new citywide wayfinding system
Seamless Seattle will support the Seattle Department of Transportation’s commitment to increase the percentage of trips made by walking to 35% by 2035.
