A brother to the TyBOT, Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) launched its second product, IronBOT, during ConExpo. IonBOT augments construction crews by lifting, carrying, and placing up to 5,000-lb. bundles of rebar in a transverse or longitudinal orientation without the need for heavy lifting from crewmembers. When combined with TyBOT, this powerful BOT Bundle can typically provide 50% schedule savings during rebar installation.
“We are confident the combination of TyBOT and IronBOT generates a disruptive technology, meaning the time and cost savings are so significant on a job that it will disrupt the way our industry installs reinforcing steel,” says Stephen Muck, Founder and Executive Chairman of Advanced Construction Robotics.
IronBOT successfully completed its inaugural project in February 2023 on the Port St. Lucie West Boulevard Bridge in Port St. Lucie, FL alongside Shelby Erectors, Inc. The originally estimated duration of the rebar installation was 14 days. The same amount of work was completed in only seven days by augmenting Shelby's crew with the BOT Bundle. During the pilot, IronBOT placed 147,032 LB of rebar while TyBOT completed 58,068 ties over 6.5 production shifts. Shelby Erectors, ACR’s Integration Partner, has been boosting crew productivity with TyBOT for over two years. "We were excited to be able to have IronBOT and TyBOT work together alongside our crews on this project. We were impressed that we could slash our rebar installation schedule in half. We are actively looking for new projects to incorporate the BOT Bundle in our operations," said Jack Nix, COO of Shelby Erectors, Inc.
Shelby Erectors, Inc. has been in business since April 1, 1997. The company is the sole entity of Jennifer Nix, who serves as the Owner and President. They are a labor subcontractor specializing in bridge construction – specifically, the installation of reinforcing steel and Stay-In-Place metal decking. Shelby Erectors, Inc. became a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) certified Disadvantaged Business Entity (DBE) on August 6, 2010. This distinction is analyzed and renewed annually and must be qualified for in order to maintain its standing. Shelby Erectors currently has over 200 employees that are on job sites across the state of Florida.
"I am so excited to see our initial prediction of cutting schedules by at least 50% come to fruition on IronBOT’s maiden voyage. This was a perfect example of how field teams, working alongside our technology, can form a “modern crew” to unleash disruptive productivity levels," says Danielle Proctor, CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. "This robotic revolution provides innovative construction firms the ability to become game-changers by adopting and putting their ‘modern crew’ to work.”
Certified Innovators
Currently, the only contractors certified to provide the BOT bundle solution are Brayman Construction and Advantage Steel & Construction as part of ACR's Certified Innovator Program. Certified Innovators have dedicated crews that have gone through hands-on training on how to optimize operations alongside the BOT Bundle and incorporate the technology in their installation pricing. "We are excited to work together to show the construction industry how this adoption of robotics at an organizational and cultural level can lead to overall results that are impossible to ignore," says Zach Rosswog, General Manager of Advantage Steel and Construction.
Brayman Construction Corporation is a leading heavy civil and geotechnical contractor with office headquarters in suburban Pittsburgh. Incorporated in 1947, as a family-owned business with a staff of two, Brayman has grown, diversified and evolved its construction services from a small bridge and concrete company to a large, nationally recognized provider of complex, heavy civil construction projects servicing both public and private sector clients. The company has expertise in a wide variety of projects including large scale complex bridges, deep foundations, marine and dam construction and rehabilitation, complex and heavy steel erection and rehabilitation, and demolition services.
Advantage Steel and Construction is recognized throughout the industry for its expertise in diverse steel construction and fabrication capabilities. Their experience includes complex bridge erection, customized temporary support and jacking operations, bridge rehabilitation, building erection, and other unique steel construction applications. Advantage Steel and Construction holds AISC certifications for Steel Erection and Fabrication for Advanced Steel Bridges with a Fracture Critical Endorsement.
"Technology is changing the way we approach construction. It helps contractors like us cope with shrinking labor forces and growing demand. We become more productive, efficient, and safer when we pair this technology with an innovative mindset," says Tim Taylor, Vice President – Heavy Civil of Brayman Construction Corporation. "That's why we are proud to be the first Certified Innovator and will continue to work with ACR to weave technology into our company identity."
