Remote-controlled technology is changing the construction industry, and the list of advantages is ever-growing. The technology addresses labor shortages, measurably increases production, offers the operator complete visibility of the machine during operation and contributes to a safer work environment.
Equipment & Technology
Before discussing the advantages of remotes, let’s take a minute to explore the technology. In the concrete construction industry, wall saws and wire saws were some of the first machines to use radio remote controls for operation. Now demolition robots, surface preparation grinders, trench rollers and other machines can all be operated remotely. Technology continues to advance, enabling a more responsive communication from remote to machine. It also enables the operator to stand farther away while still in full control of the operation.
It is important to mention that on some radio remote controls, the feature can be turned off for projects in areas that are sensitive to radio transmissions, such as hospitals and nuclear power plants. Wireless remote-control systems can be run directly using a CAN (control area network) bus cable to complete communication between the remote control and the machine.
Diverse Workforce
Remote technology may appeal to a younger audience that is aware of the physical toll that comes from manual labor. Because using a remote control does not fatigue an operator’s body in the same way that running a manual surface prep grinder or a jackhammer does, operators are able to avoid injury and stay in the workforce for a longer period. Reducing the physical requirement of brute strength also expands the labor pool available to contractors who are looking to find and retain skilled operators.
Moving your fingers or pushing a button to run the equipment is much easier. If you’ve ever used a joystick to play a video game, you can run a remote. Each year at World of Concrete, children visit the Husqvarna Construction booth and operate the company’s demolition robots with ease and excitement. Remote technology appeals to the younger generations entering the workforce — addressing the labor shortages the industry currently endures.
Increase Productivity
While working longer with less fatigue increases production, using a remote also contributes to a more consistent result. For example, consider a remote-controlled surface preparation machine. With a manual machine, the operator is pushing the machine along in a straight line, but what happens when the operator speeds up a bit or slows down? The floor in those spots will look different compared to the rest of the work area. If a remote-controlled machine is used on the floor, the operator can set the speed and grinding pressure to ensure a uniform appearance.
As another example, some remote-controlled wall saws and core drills can automatically sense when they hit steel reinforcement and slow down the feed speed while increasing power to the cutting tool. A skilled operator may be able to do this by feel in manual mode, but as the day wears on and fatigue sets in, no manual operator can maintain the consistency and speed that an automatic or remote system delivers all day.
Safety
The use of a wireless remote control eliminates the need for the operator to be in direct contact with a running machine. This means the operator can position themselves in a safer manner, farther away from moving parts, harmful dust, noise and vibration, or falling debris that may occur. Operating by wireless remote control also allows the operator to move more freely, enabling complete visibility of the machine during operation. This is common in the demolition robot world. The operator can send the robot into a dangerous environment, such as into a furnace or to hang from a crane. The machine is taking all the risk while the operator is in a safer position.
Ease of Use
One obvious advantage of remote use is the level of operator fatigue compared to traditional, manual machine operation.
When performing delicate operations, such as removing brick from a building facade with a demolition robot, it takes practice to become an expert; initial training on a remote is straightforward. Standardized controls and digital display screens are commonly used to guide operators and service technicians through the necessary operating functions, attachment changes, service intervals and troubleshooting.
Some remotes used on surface preparation machines enable the operator to multitask and prepare for the project’s next step or adjust the dust collector, hoses and other items while grinding. Core drills can be outfitted with an automatic drilling system, where the operator can select the speed and depth and let the drill take care of the rest. They can also allow the operator to control more than one drill rig at a time.
All in all, wireless remote controls help improve the entire work process. They keep operators safer and increase efficiency and bottom lines.
