Robotics, Construction, and Capital

It is easy to dismiss robots as only working in a controlled environment. It is also easy to dismiss looking at the speed, flaws and costs.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

As you watch the Atlas Robot from Boston Dynamics do some basic parkour moves

or this drywall hanging robot:

 it is also easy to dismiss looking at the speed, flaws and costs.

However take a look at where the technology was at in 2009: 

While still impressive we have come a very long ways. This would be having an uncoordinated dog in 2009 being able to hang a pieces of sheetrock in 2018.  

Look at the rapid leaps we have made with mobile technology as we went from “candybar phones” in 2005 to the first smartphone in 2011.

Where do you think we are at in that innovation curve when it comes to robotics?  

  • Keep in mind that more and more of construction is moving towards offsite fabrication in a controlled environment that will accelerate the use of robotics.  
  • Keep in mind that the balance of the 3 basic constraints on a contracting business shift towards capital when this tipping point occurs.
  • Rise of the Robots is a great book to provide food for strategic thought.

What is your technology strategy?  How is it integrated with your talent and capital management strategies? 




Business Operating Layer
Execution is the discipline of getting things done and is especially critical for contractors because we work in a highly competitive business with relatively low margins compared to the risks taken.
Prerequisites for Success - Real or False Limits?
The first step in achieving what you want is to ask yourself one very critical question: Are the prerequisites I have defined for my success real?
COVID - End of Week 5
As we end the 5th week since the first shelter-in-place orders, the country will begin to re-open. This will be uncertain and frustrating for contractors. Guidelines will change daily and won't be consistent by state, county, city, company, or contract.