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A demolition robot paired with a hydraulic breaker , for example , improves upon previous productivity goals when compared to hand tools . These machines feature impressive hitting power , on par with excavators three times their size , and offer industry-leading power-to-weight ratios . They can access some of the most confined and restrictive jobsites . At 31 inches ( 79 centimeters ) wide and weighing 1,235 pounds ( 560 kilograms ), the most compact units are small enough to fit through standard doorways and light enough to be transported on passenger elevators , making them ideal for confined spaces and interior demolition projects . Larger models are available with higher power ratios for more challenging applications . Some contractors cut their large crews by as much as a third when using demolition robots . Instead of having ten crew members working with hand tools , each robot only requires a single operator . This means contractors can better utilize their remaining employees at other areas on the jobsite , finishing a project faster . This increases productivity and lowers overall labor costs .
Safety
Contractors who invest in mechanization also reduce the amount of dangerous and hard manual labor , which is a powerful benefit to both young and experienced workers alike . With an operating distance of up to 984 feet ( 300 meters ), remote-controlled units physically distance employees from harmful silica dust , as well as the strong vibrations of handheld equipment .
Remote-controlled demolition machines help prevent one of the most common causes of serious work-related injury and death in construction — falls . A remote-controlled unit allows operators to remain at a safe distance from ledges and other fall hazards .
For contractors using robots , these safety benefits can quickly add up to significant savings on workman ’ s comp and insurance premiums . For example , remote operation paired with smaller crew sizes can significantly lower worker liability costs by limiting personnel in confined spaces or hazardous operations .
Recruitment and retention
Implementing cutting-edge technology also offers some powerful recruitment and retention tools . Employees understand quality of life and length of career can be significantly affected by injuries and silica dust exposure . Currently , the median age of a construction worker is 42.3 years . A young employee might see construction as a long-term profession while an experienced worker may see it as more realistic to stay in the industry for the duration of their career .
Another benefit of mechanization is that cutting-edge technology can attract younger workers . Some contractors have seen a significant increase in younger workers once they invested in robotic equipment .
Conclusion
Technological advances like robotic demolition machines can help change the way contractors work and make it possible to thrive in today ’ s environment . Mechanization allows contractors to quickly adapt to changes in labor , process or regulation while keeping them ahead of the curve - and the competition . ■
Jeff Keeling www . brokk . com
Jeff Keeling is the vice president of sales and marketing for Brokk Inc . Brokk has been the world ’ s leading manufacturer of electric remotecontrolled demolition machines and attachments for more than 45 years . Through continuous innovation in engineering and design , Brokk can offer unique solutions to multiple industries worldwide , including construction , demolition , mining and tunneling , cement and metal processing , nuclear and other specialty applications .
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