TyBOT Reference Videos - Tie Wire Replenishment

Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), the leader in construction robotics innovation, is proud to announce it will deliver one of two TyBOT® units to D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc. (D.T. Read) in early December. TyBOT is deployed on the I-26/I-95 Interchange Improvement Project in Harleyville, South Carolina, supporting D.T. Read’s ongoing efforts to enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency on high-volume rebar installation projects. D.T. Read’s second TyBOT will be delivered by the end of 2025.

D.T. Read’s investment follows extensive hands-on experience using TyBOT across several major infrastructure projects, including the NASA Causeway Bridge Replacement in Titusville, Florida. On that project, TyBOT completed 139,261 ties, performing 50% of both the top and bottom mats on a significant portion of the 171,733-square-foot deck. Additionally, the jobsite required debris-free work areas, making cleanliness a top priority. TyBOT helped D.T. Read meet these requirements by significantly reducing tie-wire waste, eliminating the need for extensive cleanup. As a result, the company saved 1-2 full days that would have otherwise been spent clearing debris from traditional rebar tying methods.

By expanding their use of TyBOT, D.T. Read continues its legacy of partnering with ACR, bringing innovation to the field and elevating expectations for performance in the rebar installation industry.

“D.T. Read has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in adopting technologies that improve performance on the jobsite,” said Stephen Muck, Founder & CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. “Their experience with TyBOT has shown the real-world value of automation, and we’re excited to continue supporting their team as they integrate robotics to boost productivity, enhance safety, and strengthen their competitive profitability edge.”

By adding TyBOT to its operations, D.T. Read continues to advance its longstanding commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Their adoption of robotic solutions represents a growing industry movement toward integrating automation as a standard tool for delivering safer, faster, and higher-quality results.

“Our team has seen how TyBOT can transform the way we work—improving speed, consistency, and safety on demanding projects,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President of D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc. “Adding these units allows us to expand our capacity and give our crews another tool of the trade that helps them perform their best. We are eagerly anticipating the release of ACR’s next commercial robot, IronBOT®, and we are confident it will further enhance our productivity and streamline our operations.”

As more contractors recognize the value of robotics, ACR remains committed to advancing construction automation with jobsite-ready technology that strengthens project delivery across the nation.

TyBot shines again as Steve Muck’s interview earns the most listens of 2020 for JBKnowledge's The ConTechCrew podcast. The interest in cutting edge construction tech continues to grow every year, and we are excited to be a part of it.

Watch the full episode below:

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:

TyBot once again captured the eyes of the industry by earning one of ConstructionJunkie’s top 10 most read articles of 2020. It's safety benefits and productivity enhancement have become hard to ignore in the industry. Read what Shane Hedmond from Construction Junkie had to say below:

" Last week, I spent some time out in Las Vegas to attend the World of Concrete 2020, which is an immersive experience for all things concrete and masonry related. While there, I was able to catch up with the team from Advanced Construction Robotics, the makers of TyBot, the autonomous rebar tying robot.The TyBot uses a series of cameras and artificial intelligence to identify the intersections of rebar, so no operator or pre-programming is necessary.  Once the machine is setup on the screed rails, it can tie up to 1,000 ties per hour. With its typical uses being in bridge work and manufacturing facilities, the width of the TyBot can expand anywhere from 9 feet to 100 feetAlthough TyBot is pretty hefty, weighing in at a maximum of 8,100 pounds, it can be transported on a 40 foot trailer with the equivalent of a Ford F250. The robot is powered by a Cummings Onan QG 5500 EFI generator with a fuel consumption rate between 0.35 gallons per hour to 0.95 gallons per hour, based upon the size of the load.

There’s no doubt that tying rebar is difficult and repetitive work for rodbusters, which makes it a prime target for robotics in the field. The hand tying process can not only cause carpel tunnel syndrome, but chronic back problems from bending and reaching for several hours a day. TyBot claims a substantial increase in productivity and a decrease in schedule with use of the robot, considering that it can work continuously and in difficult weather, such as extreme heat and heavy rains."

Read the full article and watch the video HERE.

See the full list of rankings HERE:

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.

CONTACT Bryce Nelson

COMPANY Advanced Construction Robotics

PHONE 724-443-1533 x50478

EMAIL marketing@constructionrobots.com

WEB www.ConstructionRobots.com

Pittsburgh, PA, May 25, 2021 - Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) is pleased to announce that Danielle Proctor has been appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Proctor brings to ACR 25 years of construction, software, technology, new product development and leadership experience, and will immediately assume day-to-day leadership of ACR’s business operations.

Jeremy Searock will continue his role as President and Chief Technology Officer, leading current and future product innovation.  Stephen Muck will remain actively involved as Chairman, providing strategic oversight as ACR continues to bring robotic equipment to the construction industry.

“Danielle has proven herself a valuable difference-maker within our company,” said Searock. “She provides the perfect storm of industry knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and leadership abilities. Stephen and I couldn’t be more excited to work with Danielle to make robots just another machine at the jobsite.”

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Proctor began her career as a Senior New Products & Industry Manager at Management Science Associates, involved with the product and business development of an automated business intelligence system for the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry. She then joined FreeMarkets, later acquired by Ariba, as part of the product management team that designed and launched the software interface for their auction-based supply-chain management service.  

Proctor’s entrepreneurial spirit quickly took over and, at the age of 28, she founded Amelie Construction & Supply, a certified Woman/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (W/DBE) construction firm providing structural rehabilitation, erection, and foundation services throughout the eastern region where she served as President & CEO for 12 years until selling her ownership in 2015.  Proctor continued to pursue her passion of being involved with start-ups by founding and acquiring several smaller ventures as well as providing private funding and consulting to companies during their critical formation stages.

Proctor’s unique combination of skill sets caught the eye of ACR co-founders Muck and Searock, who invited her to join the ACR Team as the head of Business Development in 2020.

“I’ve watched Danielle over the last 18 years develop and grow from a young entrepreneur into a mature leader capable of succeeding in a male-dominated environment,” said Muck. “I am excited to see this duo innovate and commercialize robots for an industry that is ripe for disruption.”

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About ACR

Pittsburgh-based Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc. (ACR) was co-founded in 2016 by Stephen Muck, CEO of Brayman Construction Corporation and Jeremy Searock, formerly of Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center. The co-founders' vision is to utilize robotics and artificial intelligence to innovate and commercialize a wide range of autonomous products to lead the long-term transformation of the construction industry towards enhanced productivity, improved safety, increased profits, and reduced schedule risk.

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Advanced Construction Robotics hosted a tour of their facilities for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PPG) last week. PPG members met with Co-Founders Jeremy Searock and Stephen Muck to discuss how TyBot and IronBot are being integrated into today’s job sites. During the interview, Steve and Jeremy discussed the rapidly growing demand on local and national construction labor markets and how there are simply not enough workers available to fill the needed construction crews. Discussions were also held on the impact that construction robotics can have on real-world projects and how contractors that are currently utilizing TyBot and IronBot have not only been able to fill in their labor gaps but also achieve higher levels of productivity. To read the entirety of what Steve and Jeremy had to say check out the full article here:

Navigate to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website HERE.

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.

Equipment Today and ForConstructionPros.com have announced TyBot as one of 2021's  Top 50 New Products Award Winners. Advanced Construction Robotics is proud to add this distinguished award to its trophy case and to have TyBot named among such a distinguished group of innovative new products.

Award Winners were selected based on total page views and inquiries on ForConstructionPros.com. We would like to send a special thank you to Equipment Today, ForConstructionPros.com, and the readers that selected TyBot as one of 2021’s Top 50 New Products! We look forward to continuing to advance the industry with innovative new solutions.

Read More on ConstructionPros.com here: 2021 Contractors’ Top 50 New Products Award Winners

Be sure to stay up to date on the developments at TyBot/ACR by following our social media pages.

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TyBOT’s cameras map out the rebar grid work area ahead and identify the intersections that need to be tied. The Tram independently positions the Tie Module over the next intersection, allowing the module to complete its assigned tie while TyBOT keeps track of the intersections it has completed. This cycle of mapping, positioning, tying and tracking efficiently continues until the entire work area has been completed and TyBOT notifies its Robot Supervisor before moving forward to continue operations.

TyBOT does all of this without Pre-Mapping, Pre-Programming or BIM Input.

It is just that simple! While TyBOT handles the backbreaking, repetitive task of bulk-tying your project’s rebar grid, your crew is free to move on to the project’s next critical path item.

Would you like to see TyBOT at your office or Jobsite? Schedule your Demo HERE.

2022 TyBOT Roadshow Schedule:

• Jan/Feb 2022: Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina
• Spring 2022:   Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia & Maryland
• Summer 2022:  Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota & Iowa

If you are not located in one of the states that our team is currently scheduled to visit, we can arrange a fully interactive Virtual Demonstration from our Indoor Bridge Deck in Pittsburgh, PA and broadcast conveniently to you wherever you may be located.

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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)

Co-founders Jeremy Searock and Stephen Muck penned a letter to President Biden upon his visit to Pittsburgh to promote the Build Back Better Bill. Their message was clear. Construction has a labor shortage problem and robotic solutions can fill the gap to rebuild America’s infrastructure in a timely fashion.

Mr. President, Pittsburgh is the most important stop on your road trip to discuss the infrastructure bill.

That’s because without the work being done in Pittsburgh, the Build Back Better bill is still a dream. Construction simply does not have enough workers.

Our country is in the midst of a nationwide labor shortage. This is something the construction industry knows all too well. For several decades, the industry has faced a skilled labor shortage, one that is now approaching a crisis level. Some experts believe the U.S. needs more than 1 million construction workers just to handle work under development.

Now that the country plans to address its crumbling infrastructure, we need more than votes and workers — We need a “constructional revolution.” A revolution only made possible through the teaming of robotics and AI with skilled construction labor.

Luckily, that’s what’s happening here in Pittsburgh. We are proud to lead Advanced Construction Robotics, one of the many robotics companies in our region. This industry is pioneering solutions that will allow us to not only rebuild our infrastructure but also build a new economic sector.

Robotic solutions are not here to replace workers. They are here to fill the labor gap and provide safety, consistency, increased productivity, and build quicker. The trade unions agree. The younger generations love the idea of supervising a robot on the job site.

Robotics and AI can solve real world challenges like our labor shortage and infrastructure.

Mr. President, let’s get to work.

Mr. Searock and Mr. Muck's letter was included in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Here.

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

Steve Pawlett of Ontario Construction News recently covered the topic of Robotics in Construction featuring Advanced Construction Robotics Co-Founder, President & CTO Jeremy Searock. During the interview Searock covered labor shortages and how the industry must adapt to overcome current challenges. With productivity declining, there is opportunity for significant gains in the space. During his interview Searock outlined how ACR plans to aid the industry as the 4th industrial revolution continues to develop.

“Our mission is to bring robots or artificial intelligence to the construction industry. We want to do that because the industry is short on labour, and there is a huge demand for infrastructure builds. The demand continues to grow,” explains Jeremy Searock, co-founder, president, and CTO at Advanced Construction Robotics. “We want to fill that labour gap with robots to ensure the world’s infrastructure can be completed when they want it complete.”
-Jeremy Searock, Co-Founder,  Advanced Construction Robotics

Read the full article here: https://www.ontarioconstructionnews.com/robotics-improving-construction-productivity/

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.

On Nov. 15th ACR's Integration Partner, Shelby Erectors, appeared on Mike Rowe's "The Way I Heard It" podcast to discuss the state of construction, leadership, and of course how Shelby is utilizing TyBOT. Shelby COO Jack Nix provided expert insight into how construction operates, what gives construction its character, and what it takes to lead a successful construction business. You can catch their conversation here:

Pittsburgh PA: Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) was named to the Cemex Ventures ConTech Top 50 Startups List in the “Future of Construction” Category. CEMEX Ventures releases their list of the “Most Promising Startups” that align with their market-driven opportunity areas: Green Construction, Enhanced Productivity, Construction Supply Chain, and Future of Construction. ACR’s inclusion on this list reinforces its position as one of the most exciting and effective startups in the Construction Technology space. Cemex Ventures invests and partners with the most innovative, sustainable, and promising startups to drive the construction industry revolution.

“We are proud to be named to the CEMEX Top 50 Startups list. 2023 is already shaping up to be an exciting year not just for ACR, but for the entire ConTech space. We can't wait to see what this year holds for us, and all of the other innovative companies included with us,” said Danielle Proctor, CEO, Advanced Construction Robotics.

CEMEX Ventures has recognized the impact Advanced Construction Robotics is making in the industry as it continues to do work on real jobsites and bring positive change to the industry. Advanced Construction Robotics currently offers Robotics as a Service for horizontal rebar installation. Its first product, TyBOT, bulk ties rebar at a rate of up to 1,100 ties/hour, has been on nearly 40 real-world projects and has completed over 2.5 million jobsite ties. Its second product, IronBOT, is in the latter stages of development and will lift, carry, and place rebar.

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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.

Check out the full list here: https://www.cemexventures.com/top-50/

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  

The Dave Cooper Live show featured ACR's President and CEO, Danielle Proctor, on June 19. She sat down with Dave Cooper and showed off TyBOT’s capabilities while discussing everything we do and love. Learn about the 3Cs required to achieve enhanced productivity, increased consistency, improved safety, and reduced schedule risk.

The live stream is available on the Dave Cooper Live YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X38awv4WFUw

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Pittsburgh, PA: Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) is pleased to announce its partnership with Nazareth Prep to sponsor a student through their Corporate Internship Program. Established in 2014, Nazareth Prep has been working with local companies to provide students with valuable internship experiences, helping bridge the gap between education and employment. This partnership will enable Naijah Stevenson, a Nazareth Prep sophomore, to gain hands-on experience within ACR's Engineering Build Team and Operations Department, contributing to the company's new robot assembly and maintenance processes.

"Programs like this are indispensable for nurturing the workforce of the future," remarked ACR Founder & Executive Chairman, Stephen Muck. "The more companies that invest in today's students, the better prepared we will be to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Workforce development in the emerging robotics space is critical to Pittsburgh if it is to retain robotic development companies, as they shift to manufacturing."

During her internship, Naijah will actively participate in ACR's warehouse operations, directly engaging with the assembly, maintenance, and deployment of cutting-edge construction robots. Moreover, she will have the opportunity to interact with various ACR team members, from field staff to executive leadership. Naijah will be mentored by Lely Le Gonzalez, ACR's Junior Estimator, who has personally benefited from similar internship programs and will provide valuable insights on integrating into the workforce.

Sister Linda Yankoski, Nazareth Prep President, highlighted the mutual benefits of internship programs, stating, "Internship programs benefit both interns and employers. Technology, automation, and artificial intelligence are shaping the labor market in unprecedented ways. The opportunity to intern with a company such as Advanced Construction Robotics allows our students to gain valuable real-world experience, hone important work skills, and establish connections that may prove useful throughout the span of their careers."

The collaboration between Advanced Construction Robotics and Nazareth Prep underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent and creating pathways to success in the dynamic field of robotics and construction.

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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, singulate, and place 5,000LB bundles of transverse or longitudinal rebar.

About Nazareth Prep:

Nazareth Prep is an affordable and innovative independent Catholic school based on the belief that every student — regardless of race, religion, or economic status — should have access to a quality education. We are a career and college preparatory school for serious students with academic potential and the ability to work hard.

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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.

Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), a leading innovator in construction robotics, announced it has entered into an agreement with Nucor Rebar Fabrication, Inc. (Nucor), North America’s premier fabricator and installer of rebar. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the construction industry, showcasing Nucor Rebar Fabrication’s dedication to safety by integrating modern technologies into its operations.

Nucor Rebar Fabrication will be integrating TyBOT, ACR's robotic rebar tying solution, with its crew for rebar installation projects, with the first unit being delivered to Washington state. This collaboration is a testament of TyBOT's path to commercialization, further demonstrating its ability to augment crews by increasing productivity, reducing physical strain on workers, and improving job site safety in a seamless integration of innovation and efficiency.

Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Nucor, a company that shares our vision for innovation and excellence in the construction industry. This partnership not only demonstrates Nucor's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies but also sets a new standard for efficiency and safety in rebar installation.”

Stephen Muck, Founder and Executive Chairman of ACR, added, “Through this partnership, we are not just integrating TyBOT into Nucor’s operations; we are also setting the stage for a broader adoption of construction robotics across the industry. Our mission has always been to enhance the capabilities of construction crews with advanced technology, and this collaboration with Nucor is a testament to the industry’s readiness for change. We are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution.”

“As a leader in the industry, partnering with ACR allows us to enhance job site safety for our team and brings much needed innovation to the industry,” said Chad Beard, President Nucor Rebar Fabrication.

This partnership between ACR and Nucor Rebar Fabrication not only highlights a shared commitment to safety and advancing construction technology, but also marks a significant milestone in the commercialization and distribution of robotic solutions.

Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc. (ACR) completed its first-ever TyBOT project in North Carolina. TyBOT augmented the crew from DT Read Steel Co., Inc., a rebar subcontractor, and boosted productivity on the I-40 Gorge Bridge over Jonathan Creek being performed by Kiewit Corporation. TyBOT completed 58,215 ties for this project across a 25,154 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 North Carolina, TyBOT has now completed over 4.2 million ties on jobs in 14 different states and on over 60 projects.

DT Read's rapid adoption and integration of TyBOT into their workforce demonstrates their commitment to modernizing construction with cutting-edge technology. Already trained on TyBOT from previous projects, DT Read's crew quickly enhanced safety and efficiency on the I-40 Gorge Bridge over Jonathan Creek. This swift integration highlights the team's proficiency with these modern tools of the trade, marking a significant step in workforce development and the ability to operate innovative solutions with minimal downtime.

Erick Bowman, Area Manager at DT Read, expressed his enthusiasm for TyBOT in their operations saying, "TyBOT once again proved its value by increasing our productivity and ensuring our team’s safety." He is also excited about this technology's prospects for their workforce, stating, “Our team’s growing proficiency with TyBOT continues to pay off, and we're excited to see how this technology will further enhance our future projects. The efficiency and safety improvements are game-changers, and our crew is embracing the role of ‘Rebar Geek Squad’ with enthusiasm and pride."

“ACR had trained DT Read to use TyBOT, so they were able to make immediate headway on this project without support from our team,” said Danielle Proctor, CEO of ACR.  “We're thrilled to see trained repeat clients making a tangible impact on projects and paving the way for a safer, more efficient future in the construction industry. We look forward to many more successful collaborations with DT Read.”

Advanced Construction Robotics is dedicated to equipping modern crews with state-of-the-art technology, helping contractors like DT Read set new standards for productivity and quality. TyBOT’s successful completion of the I-40 Gorge Bridge over Jonathan Creek in North Carolina showcases ACR's commitment to innovation as they expand their reach and collaborate with more contractors nationwide.

Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), the leader in robotics technology and innovation for the construction industry, is pleased to announce that the third generation of its revolutionary product, TyBOT 3.0, is available for purchase. TyBOT, which previously has only been available through ACR’s Robot as a Service (RaaS) model, can be ordered now for Q1 2025 delivery.

"Our success in the pursuit of automating construction equipment is not just an evolution for ACR; it is a transformative step for the entire construction industry,” said Stephen Muck, Founder and Executive Chairman of ACR. “Offering TyBOT for sale represents our commitment to creating disruptive solutions that will redefine how the world builds, driving unprecedented efficiency, safety, and innovation across a wider range of construction applications."

Sporting a wide array of productivity and reliability enhancements, a TyBOT 3.0 capable of up to 64’ widths starts at $425,500. Fully configured to expand as wide as 117’, it sells for $455,500. The sticker price includes comprehensive training by ACR to ensure customers can confidently mobilize, configure, supervise, and maintain TyBOT from day one. ACR’s Service Platform Subscription gives customers access to a live data portal which provides unprecedented insight into their rebar installation operations as well as continued access to the latest software features from ACR’s world-class engineering team. TyBOT 3.0 also has optional accessories to further expand its cost-saving capabilities, including multiple modes of travel for non-bridge projects and a carry function add-on to transport materials efficiently and safely to working crew members.

"With over 65 field deployments nationwide, TyBOT has proven that it provides customers at least 25% savings in their installation operations and is quickly becoming an accepted tool of the trade by rodbusters," said Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of ACR. "We’ve seen a tremendous increase in demand for TyBOT as well as our second product, IronBOT®, the Rebar Placing Robot. Our continued planned evolution from product design and adoption through RaaS to offering our BOTs for purchase reflects our confidence in our team’s ability to quickly provide mature products that reliably solve real-world problems. We look forward to customers fully integrating our solutions into their operations, providing enhanced productivity and safety using modern tools for a modern workforce.”

Advanced Construction Robotics has announced that it is now offering its rebar-tying robot through direct sales in addition to ongoing service arrangements. Training on operating the rebar-tying robot is included in the sale price, as well as future software updates and access to an online portal to track its usage and productivity. Other options include other modes of travel for non-bridge projects and a new carry function for transporting materials around the jobsite.

Read more by Jeff Rubenstone on Engineering News-Record:

https://www.enr.com/articles/59256-rebar-tying-robot-now-available-for-direct-purchase-as-robotics-firm-sees-industry-acceptance