Bridge 101

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Project & Crew Information:

• General Contractor: Kiewit-Massman JV
• Rebar Contractor: D.T. Read Steel
• Union: Non-Union
• Crew Size: 10 person
• Shift Duration: 8 hour
• Products Used: TyBOT
• September 2023 – April 2024

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

• Actual Ties: 669,142 (75% Total)
• Active Production Hours: 553
• ActiveTie Rate: 1,275 Ties/HR
• Total Equipment Hours: 1,167
• Active Production Rate = 57%
• TyBOT Shifts = 164
• Total Shifts = 186
• TyBOT Utilization Rate = 88%

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ACR Project Scope:

• 12 of 18-Span Bridge Deck
• Bridge Deck SF: 252,142 
• Width: 69' MIN – 109' MAX
• Length: 2,805’
• Horizontal Deck Rebar: 2,854,472 LBS
• TieSpecs: 50% Bottom / 50% Top
• (2 spans 100% Top)
• Required Tied Intersections: 887,387

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Project & Crew Information:

• General Contractor: Cone & Graham
• Rebar Contractor: Shelby Erectors
• Union: N/A
• Crew Size: 5-person
• Shift Duration: 10-hour
• Products Used: TyBOT & IronBOT
• Deployment Dates: February 2023

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

• Actual Ties: 33,404 (74% Total)
• Active Production Hours: 35
• Active Tie Rate: 954 Ties/HR
• Total Equipment Hours: 70
• Active Production Rate = 50%
• Equipment Utilization Rate = 100%

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ACR Project Scope:

• 3-Span Bridge Deck
• Bridge Deck SF: 25,868
• Width: 64’ 8”’
• Length: 400’
• Horizontal Deck Rebar: 146,361 LBS
• Total Deck Intersections: 45,010
• Tie Specs: 33% Bottom / 33% Top

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IronBOT Performance Metrics:

• Actual LBS Placed: 130,952 (90% Total)
• Active Production Hours: 24
• ActiveP lacement Rate: 5,561 LB/HR
• Total Equipment Hours: 48
• Active Production Rate = 50%
• Equipment Utilization Rate = 69%

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Project & Crew Information:

• General Contractor: Brayman
• Rebar Contractor: N/A (Self-Perform)
• Union: Laborers Local 1058
• Crew Size: 10-person
• Shift Duration: 10-hour
• Products Used: TyBOT
• March 2019 – April 2019

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

• Actual Ties: 111,645 (89% Total)
• Active Production Hours: 99
• Active Tie Rate: 1,128 Ties/HR
• Total Equipment Hours: 120
• Active Production Rate = 83%
• Equipment Utilization Rate = 92%

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ACR Project Scope:

• 2 of 4-Span Bridge Deck
• Bridge Deck SF: 26,445
• Width:43’
• Length:6 15’
• Horizontal Deck Rebar: 269,000LBS
• Total Deck Intersections: 125,250
• Tie Specs: 50% Bottom / 100% Top

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Project & Crew Information:

• General Contractor: Kiewit
• Rebar Contractor: D.T. Read Steel
• Union: Non-Union
• Crew Size: 5 person
• Shift Duration: 10 hour
• Products Used: TyBOT
• April 2024 – May 2024

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

• Actual Ties: 58,215 (63% Total)
• Active Production Hours: 51
• Active Tie Rate: 1,205 Ties/HR
• Total Equipment Hours: 79
• Active Production Rate = 65%
• TyBOT Shifts = 9
• Total Shifts = 9
• TyBOT Utilization Rate = 100%

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ACR Project Scope:

• 4 of 4-Span Bridge Deck
• Bridge Deck SF: 25,154
• Width: 42'
• Length: 610’
• Horizontal Deck Rebar: 203,061 LBS
• TieSpecs: 50% Bottom / 100% Top
• Required Tied Intersections: 91,928

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A big thank you to GLX Constructors (Herzog, Fluor, Middlesex Corporation, Balfour Beatty), H&A Steel and Ironworkers Local 7 of Boston, MA, for a successful TyBot demonstration on the Green Line Extension Project in Cambridge, MA. It was a privilege working with the GLX team, and we look forward to upcoming projects in the greater Boston area!

The Green Line Extension Project will extend the existing Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Public Transit System’s Green Line into the communities of Somerville, Cambridge and Medford, MA.

For more information on the project check out our projects page.

“The efficiency of the robot was awesome! It was definitely a big help to our schedule.”
Courtney Holman
Owner, Steel Enforcers

TyBot recently completed its first project for rebar subcontractor Steel Enforcers, Inc. on Collins Creek Bridge in Mobile County, AL. This 37,000 square foot bridge deck had a 50% tie requirement for both top and bottom mats. Extreme weather conditions interrupted rebar installation multiple times, making schedule an even higher priority than usual. TyBot was glad to help. Thank you, Steel Enforcers! Check out the full project details on our Projects page HERE.

Thank you to Beech Construction for bringing TyBot back for yet another project. TyBot joined Beech’s rebar team on the Freedom Road Turnpike Bridge Project in Butler County, PA. As part of PennDOT’s Accelerated Bridge Construction Program, the structure was constructed in sections off-site and moved into final position requiring only short-term closures. TyBot contributed to meeting the project’s enhanced schedule demands by tying continuously for 19 straight hours!

For full project details check out the project listing.

Check out the timelapse below:

More photos of the Freedom Road Project:

We are pleased to announce that in April, TyBot officially reached the 2,000,000th job-site tie milestone. Our world-class team has successfully completed a total of 27 project deployments and has an exciting slate of jobs scheduled to close out 2021. TyBot has worked for a multitude of distinguished General Contractors and Rebar Subcontractors from Boston, MA to Miami, FL.  Check out our new Project Portfolio page to learn more.

Those who have used TyBot on their projects will tell you that it isn't science fiction. TyBot is construction’s most advanced rebar installation equipment that dramatically reduces schedule risk and enhances your workforce’s productivity while keeping them safer! Read EquipmentWorlds coverage of this achievement HERE.

On May 21st, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) opened three new ramps at the heavily traveled Central Florida GreeneWay/SR 417 Interchange in Orlando, FL. TyBot Integration Partner, Shelby Erectors, utilized TyBot to help meet schedule goals while delivering increased safety, savings, and productivity to the project. Thank you to Shelby Erectors, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, and the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Gateway Expressway Project in Clearwater, FL is one of the largest Heavy Civil Construction projects in the history of the Tampa Bay region, and TyBot is returning to help enhance productivity, improve safety, reduce schedule risk, and increase profitability.  This megaproject includes adding two new 4-lane elevated tolled roadways and connections from US 19 to I-275 and from the Bayside Bridge to I-275 as well as the widening of I-275 to create express tolled lanes.

Prior to commencing work on Bridge 11 in August 2021, TyBot Integration Partner, Shelby Erectors, had already utilized TyBot to complete 275,000+ deck ties across 880,000+ square feet bridge deck for the project.

On September 14th, TyBot commenced tying operations on the $93.6 million PennDOT

I-95: Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange Project's BR2 Section in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. By utilizing TyBot to complete the bulk-tying of rebar intersections, LB Construction Enterprises, subcontracted by the General Contractor, Buckley & Company, looks to enhance its crew's productivity while improving safety and reducing overall days on-site.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Construction industry has burst into a flurry of activity as the most aggressive infrastructure spending initiative since the 1950s was signed into law on Monday. Combined with a skilled labor shortage, the $550 Billion bill calls into question whether contractors have the capacity to meet rapidly growing demand. Innovative contractors across the nation are turning to new technology for help. Robots as a new class of equipment are proving to be an effective complement to human crews and will be essential to completing the projects laid out within the infrastructure bill.

Woman-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Shelby Erectors is an example of the effective usage of robotics on the jobsite to contractors across the country. Contracted for rebar installation on the 512,427 sqft I-95 Express Phase 3C project in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Shelby elected to utilize TyBOT by Advanced Construction Robotics to boost crew productivity. TyBOT, a rebar tying robot, leverages cutting edge artificial intelligence to tie together the rebar grid that commonly reinforces concrete surfaces. While TyBOT is actively tying rebar, Shelby’s laborers are free to handle more skilled tasks better suited for human hands.

Shelby stands tall in the industry as an example of how to adapt to modern challenges, and its President, Jennifer Nix, is positioning her company to meet the labor demands of the new infrastructure bill. “TyBot is definitely a lifesaver when labor availability is lacking. It provides a level of consistency that's difficult to match and is why we’re currently using it on 3 separate concrete bridge construction projects across Florida.” Nix says, “TyBot removes the repetitive, back-breaking work that can cause serious long-term injuries, and anything we can do to improve our crews’ health and safety is a huge priority for us. TyBOT allows us to safely stay on schedule while shorthanded and to move our workforce on to higher-skilled tasks or to another jobsite where they can be better utilized.” The I-95 Express Project has become a landmark in the application of new technologies on major infrastructure projects. It is among the first projects in the world to address the labor shortage with cutting-edge robotic technology.

ACR is excited to call Shelby Erectors our integration partner. For many years our co-founders have observed the industry and have watched the labor gap growing. With this new infrastructure initiative, the shortage is accelerating at an alarming rate. Co-Founder Jeremy Searock is seeing his vision for the company become reality, saying “ACR was founded for moments like this. Our robots will continue to solve today’s construction challenges assisting the workforce to meet rapidly growing demand, such as what will be generated from the infrastructure bill.” ACR believes robotics can and will come to the rescue of crews struggling to close the growing labor gap. In order to complete the Billions in new projects, partnerships like those between Shelby and ACR will be absolutely essential.

Nix says “As the labor gap in construction continues to grow with increasing demand, it is crucial to incorporate solutions like TyBot to mitigate the effects. We have found that TyBOT saves at least 25% on our rebar tying schedule. This provides a crucial edge when bidding projects, and project owners, typically DOT, often like to see innovative tech used. We will likely use TyBot on over half of our projects in the next 5 years.” The effectiveness of jobsite robotics on this project will be sure to be noticed as contractors scramble to address the flood of new infrastructure initiatives coming from Capitol Hill. The lesson is clear, useful robots are no longer science fiction. They are here and ready to do work today.

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A world-leading innovator of autonomous robotic equipment, Advanced Construction Robotics is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to meet a rapidly growing demand, improve safety, and reduces scheduling risks. TyBOT, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or build plan input from the working crew. TyBot’s partner, IronBot, will lift, carry, and install rebar when it comes to market in 2022.

Project Intro

The Koppel Bridge project was a $27 Million effort to replace the previous bridge. TyBOT performed bulk tying operations on this project in April of 2019 to assist the crews of Brayman Construction Corporation. The Koppel Bridge is located in rural Western Pennsylvania and serves as a crucial link between the towns of Koppel, and Ellwood City. It is a 4-span bridge that is 43 feet wide and 1,240 feet long. The new Koppel bridge opened in October of 2019.

Role in Project -

TyBOT® is an autonomous rebar tying robot that ties up to 1,000 intersections an hour. TyBOT deploys to any job site that has screed rails in place and will do the work of an average crew. TyBOT easily deploys anywhere in the country to work on horizontal reinforcing steel installation projects. TyBOT performed the bulk tie portion of the Koppel Bridge deck reinforcing steel installation for two out of the four spans of the bridge.

Description of Project -

The Koppel Bridge project, located in Koppel, PA, began in January 2017 and opened to traffic in October 2019. The bridge carries two 12 ft travel lanes and 8 ft shoulders. The deck of the Koppel Bridge consists of 1 million pounds of rebar and 6,000 cubic yards of concrete. The structural steel supporting the deck weighs approximately 4.3 million pounds.

Project Features/Advancements -

Manhour savings: 34%

Schedule savings: 34%

Brayman Construction Corporation (BCC) meticulously recorded production data for the deck reinforcing steel installation of the project so that this case study could provide meaningful results. While self-performing the rebar installation on two spans that did not utilize TyBot, BCC expended 20% of their total manhours on the bulk tie sub-activity that TyBOT would perform on the other two spans.

When TyBOT executed the bulk tie on these two spans, the data showed that BCC not only saved the expected 20% of manhours for bulk tying but also saved another 14% for a total savings of 34% of their budgeted manhours. These additional savings was attributed to a couple of different factors.

BCC chose to augment their deck rebar crew with TyBOT meaning they did not reduce the level of manpower performing the installation. Not having to perform the bulk tie sub-activity allowed the crew to focus manual efforts on the remaining sub-activities associated with deck rebar installation. This allowed these activities such as carrying and placing the rebar to occur faster and more efficiently.

The use of TyBOT also prompted the operations team to perform more pre-planning of the deck rebar work to ensure the time TyBOT was waiting on placed rebar to tie was minimized. Typically, deck rebar work planning is done in the field where the crew often reacts to the daily changes and challenges that are frequent on construction projects. When using TyBOT, the manual labor was very focused on planning the work to make sure that “the robot didn’t catch up to them”. This created a sense of competition between the robotic TyBOT and the crew, pushing the work along faster.

With BCC augmenting their crew with TyBOT, the project realized both a 34% manhour savings and a 34% savings in the duration of the work. Experiencing schedule and productivity improvements that result in manhour savings is a great example of the power of utilizing robots in construction. With widespread shortages in skilled labor, using TyBot to augment and not replace the rebar crew is the best way to accelerate projects, meet tough schedule constraints, and best utilize the skills of workers.

Who was/is Involved:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: CLIENT

Brayman Construction Corporation: MAIN CONTRACTOR

Advanced Construction Robotics: SUBCONTRACTOR

Awards

Associated Bridge for Construction & Design awarded the Koppel Bridge Project two awards:

(1) Outstanding New Major Bridge Award (Brayman Construction as the main contractor) (2) Outstanding New Special Purpose Structure Award for Permanent Sheet Pile Wall System – Brayman Construction (Brayman Construction as subcontractor & Trumbull as the main contractor)

In May, TyBOT set its 2022 tie record on the Gateway Expressway project alongside Advanced Construction Robotics Integration Partner Shelby Erectors. Tying 11,044 ties in a single shift, TyBOT averaged over 1,000 ties per hour on the day. The record takes the 9th position on our All-Time shift record list, with the #1 shift in company history clocking in at 16,000 ties (shift lengths vary).

Shelby Erectors CEO Jack Nix had this to say about the shift:

"A shift like this makes a real difference. When TyBOT is moving this quickly our crews are able to focus our full efforts on more complicated work. TyBot handling over 11,000 ties in a shift provides much-needed relief to us as our crews are pressured by labor shortages and schedules."
- Jack Nix, Chief Operations Officer, Shelby Erectors

Construction is in the midst of a labor shortage. Construction crews are being stretched thin and are struggling to meet schedules. The pressure has sent the industry in search of a safe solution to augment construction crews. Advanced Construction Robotics has brought TyBOT to construction to automate repetitive and injury-prone tasks. With TyBOT on the job, contractors are experiencing enhanced productivity, improved safety, reduced schedule risk, and increased consistency. TyBOT delivers these advantages using a Robot as a Service (RaaS) model. Contractors can achieve new heights in productivity with pricing that is wrapped up in an easy-to-understand per-tie price.

TyBOT has come a long way since it first hit the job site in 2017.  To date, TyBOT has completed over 2.5 million ties and has worked on 33+ job sites across the country. Years of field testing and refinement have created a powerful tool for augmenting the existing construction workforce.

“Shifts like this don’t happen overnight. Like a rodbuster honing their skills over time, this achievement is the result of years of real work on real jobsites. Our team of world class innovators is developing the future of construction equipment, and creating modern jobsites where teams of workers and robots work together to get the job done.”
-Jeremy Searock, Co-Founder, CTO & President, Advanced Construction Robotics

The Advanced Construction Robotics team is excited to continue to bring new and innovative products to the construction industry with our second product, IronBOT. IronBOT is a rebar carrying and placing robot that relieves the burden of the heavy lifting by self-placing up to 5,000-pound bundles of both transverse and longitudinal rebar.  Used together, the powerful solution of IronBOT and TyBOT will be able to increase productivity by at least 250%. IronBOT is in the final stages of development and will be deployed in 2022. The dynamic duo of TyBOT and IronBOT enables work to be conducted at a consistent and predictable rate that significantly exceeds industry averages.

If you think your job could be the location of our next tie record fill out an inquiry form on our contact page.

Read Engineering News Record's report here

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety.  TyBOT®, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew. TyBOT’s partner, IronBOT, will lift, carry, and place rebar when it comes to market in 2022. If you would like more information, please contact us at info@constructionrobots.com

Spartan Reinforcing Debuts Autonomous Robot for First Time in Texas

TyBOT®, the Autonomous Rebar Tying Robot, Completes First Texas Job on the SH302 Highway Project.

Winkler County, Texas – On its first deployment in the Lone Star State, TyBOT® by Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) recently completed bulk rebar tying operations on the SH302 highway project in Winkler County, Texas. Winner of numerous innovation awards, TyBOT is an autonomous rebar tying robot that utilizes artificial intelligence to see, think, and act to self-adapt to unique jobsite designs. It represents the latest class of construction equipment that works alongside existing crews to ensure project timelines are safely met. Completing 101,564 ties across 69,200 square feet of bridge deck, TyBOT was essential in assisting Spartan Reinforcing, a Texas-based Disadvantaged Business Enterprise specializing in turnkey solutions for reinforced concrete, as well as Kiewit, the nation’s 4th largest general contractor.

Travelers watching the progress of the SH302 highway project in Winkler County Texas will be happy to see that the contractors on the job are deploying the latest technology to get the job done faster. Robots on the jobsite optimize the work of the crew members by allowing them to avoid boring repetitive tasks and focus on more complex work better suited for traditional labor. Augmenting the workforce in this way not only accelerates schedules but also helps to keep the crew safe from injury-prone tasks. With this project, Winkler County became one of the first regions to deploy modern solutions in construction which traditionally has avoided high tech.

“TyBOT augmented our crews and helped make our team more efficient. We were excited by the advantages robotic construction equipment offered us and it opened our minds to the great potential in adopting new technologies.” – Craig Wallace -CEO, Spartan Reinforcing

“I was apprehensive about using TyBOT at first, but as the project progressed I discovered it made my crew work smarter not harder.” – Samuel Lopez-Spartan General Foreman

“ACR was founded to rapidly bring robots to jobsites to help crews like Spartan and Kiewit. Our robots will continue to solve today’s construction challenges assisting the workforce to meet rapidly growing demand” – Jeremy Searock, Co-Founder, Advanced Construction Robotics

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ABOUT ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety. TyBOT®, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew. TyBOT’s partner, IronBOT, will lift, carry, and install rebar when it comes to market in 2022.

PRESS CONTACT:

Name: Bryce Nelson

Phone: 412-756-3360 x50478

Email: bnelson@constructionrobots.com

About the Record:

August 30th, Pittsburgh PA: TyBOT by Advanced Construction Robotics set its all-time tie record on the Rt. 29 Ward Road bridge project in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 13th, 2022. Over the course of one shift, TyBOT completed 17,155 ties alongside D.T. Read Steel Co. Inc. and English Construction. This record came soon after TyBOT's yearly record, where it completed 11,000 ties in a single shift on The Gateway Expressway project in Florida. This all-time record overcomes the previous record of 16,000 ties in a single shift set in February of 2021. TyBOT shift lengths vary by project. At an active tie-rate of 1,149 ties/hour, TyBOT outworked its standard production estimates of up to 1,100 ties/hour.

“Production at this level is impressive. TyBOT was a great asset to our crew and we are excited to see it making a real difference on our projects.”
– Donnie Read, President, D.T. Read Steel Co. Inc.

About the Project:

TyBOT completed operations on the 12,343 sq. ft. bridge deck in just 5 days, freeing up time and energy for the crew of D.T. Read to complete work elsewhere on the project. Total TyBOT ties equaled 37,942 and average tie rate was 1,106 ties/hour. The bridge was part of the Route 29/460 Bridges over Norfolk Southern Railroad project valued at $16.9 Million.

About TyBOT:

TyBOT®, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew. TyBOT utilizes artificial intelligence to see, think, and act to self-adapt to unique jobsite designs. It represents the latest class of construction equipment that works alongside existing crews to ensure project timelines are safely met.

“We are thrilled to see TyBOT continuing to best itself in leaps and bounds. Innovating an industry is not easy but this tie count makes a real difference. We can’t wait to see what TyBOT accomplishes next”
– Jeremy Searock, Co-Founder, President & CTO    Advanced Construction Robotics

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About Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc.:

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety. TyBOT’s partner, IronBOT, will lift, carry, and install rebar when it comes to market in 2022.

Pittsburgh, PA: Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc. (ACR) completed its first-ever TyBOT project in Wisconsin, marking the robot's furthest travel westward. TyBOT augmented the crew from MKE Iron Erectors Inc. (MKE Iron), a rebar subcontractor, and boosted productivity on the IH-39 Structure B-11-166 bridge in Columbia County. TyBOT accomplished 17,823 ties in two shifts for this project across a 7,775 sq. ft. area. TyBOT ties reinforcing steel at a rate of over 1,100 ties per hour. It was introduced by ACR in 2018 and has since won several innovation awards in the construction industry. With the addition of Wisconsin, TyBOT has now completed 3.5 million ties on jobs in 11 different states and on over 40 projects.

“Resilience is one of our core values, so we are excited to be the first contractor in Wisconsin to deploy this innovative tool,” said Barb Sheedy, President and Owner of MKE Iron Erectors, Inc. “Having TyBOT on our job site was a major asset to our crew as they finished the project on time and on budget. Just as importantly, TyBOT will provide health and safety benefits for our union ironworkers. Less tying means they will experience less physical stress, possibly extending their careers while avoiding strain injuries. We look forward to using TyBOT on future projects.”  

Advanced Construction Robotics is committed to equipping modern crews with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge equipment. By embracing modern equipment, contractors like MKE Iron Erectors, Inc. are pushing the entire industry forward, setting new standards for productivity and quality. ACR remains unwavering in its dedication to supporting modern crews by providing the equipment they need to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

"We are really excited to add not only a new customer but a new state to our project portfolio," says Danielle Proctor, President & CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. "MKE Iron serves as a great example of an innovative contractor that has taken the first step on the path to creating a modern workforce by seeing first-hand how technology can impact their projects."

The successful completion of the TyBOT project in Wisconsin demonstrates ACR's commitment to providing innovative solutions to the construction industry as they continue to work with additional contractors and break into new territories.

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About Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc.:

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety.  TyBOT®, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew. TyBOT’s partner, IronBOT can lift, carry, and install a 5,000LB bundle of rebar. Together, TyBOT and IronBOT are cutting rebar installation schedules in half. If you would like more information, please contact us at info@constructionrobots.com

About MKE Iron Erectors, Inc.:

As a full-service, woman owned metal erector MKE Iron Erectors, Inc. works with our business partners to safely provide top-notch subcontracting for division 3 and 5 construction projects, and more.MKE Iron’s deep bench of experienced professionals are your reliable partners ­when safely building the roads and bridges municipalities need to thrive. Our team knows what it takes to construct complicated lift bridges, erect steel, and precast girders, and efficiently install reinforcing steel for all foundations, supports, and decks. Our skilled union ironworkers, and LEAN thinking team understands how to perform precast concrete and metal work using best practices designed to save you time, money, and stress on your next project.

Rebar-tying robots have come to Wisconsin. Waukesha-based MKE Iron Erectors recently used one on a bridge project, a first in the state.

TyBOT performed 17,823 ties in two shifts across a 7,775-sq-ft area on the IH-39 Structure B-11-166 bridge in Columbia County, north of Madison. That’s more than 1,100 ties per hour.

Read the full ENR Article at https://www.enr.com/articles/56551-robot-performs-1-100-rebar-ties-per-hour-on-wisconsin-bridge-job  

MKE Iron Erectors Inc. used TyBOT once again as it was deployed on the Dane County Highway AB overpass project.

Barb Sheedy, the owner of MKE Iron Erectors, said in a recent article, “The emerging technology was a “win-win” for balancing efficiency and reducing safety exposure risks to ironworkers.”

Read more by Ethan Duran on The Daily Reporter:

https://dailyreporter.com/2023/06/29/rebar-tying-robot-helps-ironworkers-with-the-county-highway-ab-overpass-project/

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Pittsburgh, PA: Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) is proud to announce TyBOT's completion of Units 1 and 2 of the I-30 Crossing in Pulaski County in November, marking its debut in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR), with D.T. Read Steel Co. Inc. The I-30 Crossing project was awarded to Kiewit Massman Construction, and it is ARDOT’s (Arkansas Department of Transportation) first-ever Design-Build valued at $632M. This significant undertaking promises to transform transportation through central AR, and the project remains ahead of schedule.

TyBOT not only completed 165,779 ties but also delivered schedule savings across the 1,500FT length of the bridge’s first two units. Such efficiency is a testament to TyBOT's capabilities and a significant stride in redefining construction timelines and methodologies. With over a mile of bridge deck remaining, additional TyBOTs will be deployed to help keep the project moving.

D.T. Read's rapid adoption and successful integration of the autonomous rebar-tying robot, TyBOT, into their workforce demonstrates a commitment to creating a modern construction crew adept in technology and innovation. The use of TyBOT represented a significant step in workforce development, with team members trained to manage and operate the robotic technology in a matter of days.

After training to use the technology himself, Erick Bowman, Area Manager at D.T. Read, expressed his enthusiasm for TyBOT in their operations saying, "TyBOT contributed to a 30% schedule savings and provided a safer working environment for our crew." He is also excited about this technology's prospects for their workforce, stating, "We are looking forward to expanding our team's expertise by training more members to become robot supervisors, or as I like to call them, the Rebar Geek Squad."

D.T. Read's experience and satisfaction with TyBOT's performance in previous projects reinforce its value as an effective tool for large-scale construction and modern crews.

Michael Lewis, Vice President of Operations, at D.T. Read stated, “This technology (TyBOT) and the service that’s offered goes over and beyond anyone’s expectations. Within 24 hours service technicians are on your site ensuring the equipment stays operational.”

“We are excited to deploy on this large project with D.T. Read,” said Danielle Proctor, CEO of ACR. “The rapid adoption of TyBOT into D.T. Read’s crew is a testament to how quickly this tool of the trade can integrate with crews and on projects.”

The I-30 Crossing Project Pulaski County Corridor is currently slated to wrap up in the middle of 2025.

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About Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc.:

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety.  TyBOT®, ACR’s first product, is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the working crew. TyBOT’s partner, IronBOT®, lifts, carries, and places rebar. Together, TyBOT and IronBOT are cutting rebar installation schedules in half. If you would like more information, please contact us at info@constructionrobots.com

About DT Read Steel Co. Inc.:

D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc. specializes in placing reinforcing steel, post tension cable, S-I-P metal decking, bridge shear studs, and erecting concrete/steel bridge girders throughout the Eastern, Southeastern, and South-Central United States.  As a Subcontractor, D.T. Read focuses on heavy/Highway projects, commercial projects, industrial projects, and hi-rise building structures. D.T. Read also operates as a General Contractor that currently works on Government Facilities and with local Municipalities. D.T. holds certifications as a DBE Contractor certifying the company with eleven different states Department of Transportation. D.T. Read strives to be the very best at what they do without sacrificing safety, dependability, efficiency, quality, experience, and professionalism.

Pittsburgh, PA: Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), a leading innovator in robotic construction solutions, worked with New England Infrastructure (NEI) on the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) bridge rehabilitation project on Ramp B-D (Exit 2) over Bluestar Turnpike. NEI deployed TyBOT to the project on June 29, marking its first time working with the technology. TyBOT completed 5,369 intersections in just seven hours. Since 2018, TyBOT has won several innovation awards and completed over 3.5 million ties on 48 projects in 12 states. TyBOT’s first-ever field deployment also took place in New Hampshire alongside R.S. Audley in 2018.

"We are excited to wrap up a successful project with a new contractor, New England Infrastructure, and we appreciate their enthusiasm and trust in our technology.   We look forward to exploring larger projects together with NEI," said Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. “Returning to the state where we deployed TyBOT for the first time was a nostalgic experience. We have come a long way since then,” she added.

The NHDOT bridge rehabilitation project on Ramp B-D (Exit 2) over Bluestar Turnpike is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring the longevity and safety of the region's transportation network.

"New England Infrastructure is committed to exploring advanced technologies that enhance project outcomes while prioritizing safety," stated Todd Pietrasiak, President and Owner of NEI. "TyBOT performed well on this small project, and we are interested to see what it can do on larger projects."  

The collaboration between ACR and New England Infrastructure highlights the industry's transition towards modern construction practices. As more crews embrace advanced technologies like TyBOT, construction projects can be completed more efficiently and safely.

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About Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc.:

A leading provider of robotic equipment, ACR is transforming the construction industry by filling the skilled labor gap and increasing overall productivity. Our robots give construction firms the ability to consistently meet growing demand, reduce scheduling risks and improve safety. ACR currently offers two unique rebar installation robots that, together, cut rebar installation schedules in half. ACR’s first product, TyBOT, is a rebar-tying robot that has been serving the industry since 2018. IronBOT, ACR’s latest product, will lift, carry, and place 5,000LB bundles of transverse or longitudinal rebar.

About New England Infrastructure, Inc.:

New England Infrastructure, Inc. has a long and proud history as a leader in the New England construction industry. They are a multi-disciplined heavy/civil contractor specializing in providing engineered solutions to complex projects of all sizes. Their expert team of qualified management and skilled craftsmen are present at every job site, ensuring that all work is done on time, on budget, to specification, and up to par with each client’s expectations.