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Advanced Construction Robotics Delivers D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc.’s TyBOT® Units to Support Their Southeast Infrastructure Work
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.
Rebar-Tying Robot Now Available For Direct Purchase As Robotics Firm Gains Industry Acceptance
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:
Advanced Construction Robotics Named Finalist For Pittsburgh Technology Council's Tech50 Awards
Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), an industry leader in construction robotics and technology, is proud to announce its selection as a finalist for the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech50 Awards in the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Robotics category. This annual recognition celebrates the top companies in the Pittsburgh region, driving innovation and shaping the future of their respective industries. ACR's recognition as a finalist reinforces its role as a trailblazer in the construction industry, showcasing the company's ongoing development of robotic solutions, including TyBOT®, a rebar-tying robot, and IronBOT®, a rebar lifting, carrying, and placing robot that enhances safety, productivity, and project efficiency.
“Being recognized by the Pittsburgh Technology Council reflects our mission to advance construction through innovation,” said Stephen Muck, Founder and Executive Chairman of Advanced Construction Robotics. “Our team is passionate about developing technologies from concept to commercialization that make a real impact in the field, and this acknowledgment further motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what robotics can achieve in construction.”
Since its founding, ACR has been driven by a team of construction and robotics experts committed to advancing the future of construction through innovation. What sets ACR apart is its unique ability to access real job sites, allowing the team to test and refine their robotic solutions in real-world conditions. This hands-on approach enables ACR to create groundbreaking automation technologies that tackle the dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs in construction and rapidly respond to unforeseen challenges. Recently, ACR announced that TyBOT is now available for purchase, marking a pivotal shift from its previous Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. This shift from a RaaS to owning the equipment is unique in the B2B robotics industry. By focusing on practical, impactful innovations, ACR has become a leader in the construction technology space, known for introducing autonomous tools of the trade that are transforming the industry and improving safety and quality.
"We are honored to be named a finalist for the Tech50 Awards," said Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. "This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to redefining what's possible in construction. The traction we have seen with the shift to commercialization is huge. We believe our products and business intelligence are redefining the industry while providing new job creation and retention opportunities."
The Pittsburgh Technology Council will announce the Tech50 Awards winners at their annual event on November 14, 2024.
High-Tech Summer Camps Announced For Knoch Middle & High School Students
Pittsburgh, PA: Students from the Knoch Middle and High Schools will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning with experts in the high-tech “K-STEAM” camps being held this summer in Butler County. Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) Founder and Executive Chairman Stephen Muck is actively engaging with the community by supporting these camps to help young people learn about the range of opportunities for their futures in STEAM careers across multiple industry sectors.
“Cultivating the interest, excitement and aptitude of the next generation of STEAM experts is a critical path to our nation’s future,” Mr. Muck said. “What will our communities look like? The realities of our infrastructure in particular are bounded only by our ability to imagine a future state, and then move it from idea to engineering to implementation.”
Expert Roboticists from ACR will be teaching camp sessions on the intersection between robotics and construction. “We are really looking forward to engaging with these students,” said Danielle Proctor, ACR President & CEO. “We want young people to know that you don’t necessarily have to be in the tech sector to have a high-tech career. Robotic applications are being integrated into many fields that have not typically been thought of as ‘tech’, like construction and agriculture.”
Stephen Muck’s interest in the workforce of the future is shaped by his long history with economic development and heavy civil construction, as well as his business acumen, which led him to create his own specialized robotics company focused on infrastructure, ACR. With his crews working, especially on bridges, he envisioned an opportunity to save not only time and costs, but also—ideally—a key aspect of human health that is a concern in construction: back injuries. By building a robot capable of completing routine and repetitive tasks, like tying rebar, he could reduce worker injuries that result from humans constantly bending over to do the tying, and also from catching their feet in the intricate mazes created by rebar mats. This gave him the opportunity to up-skill workers into other, more complex tasks and, in effect, prolong their careers in construction due to injury reduction.
“My diverse experience has not only afforded me a unique vantage point but has also laid the foundation for the symbiotic relationship between construction needs and robotic innovation,” said Muck. “Our goal at ACR is not just to lead but to inspire a movement towards a more efficient, safe, and sustainable construction industry through robotics. I foresee a paradigm shift in construction, and we must lay the groundwork for a future where robotics and human endeavor converge to redefine the possible. That’s why I am so proud to sponsor this summer’s K-STEAM Camps—I’m investing in tomorrow’s workforce today.”
Nucor Rebar Fabrication, Inc. Partners With Advanced Construction Robotics To Provide Innovative Rebar Installation Services With TyBOT®
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.
TyBOT® Completes Its Inaugural Project In North Carolina
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.
TyBOT® Helps D.T. Read Accelerate Progress On Arkansas’ I-30 Crossing Project
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.
ACR Joins The Associated General Contractors of America
Advanced Construction Robotics is officially a proud member of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) through regional chapter, The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP). AGC is an organization of over 27,000 qualified construction contractors and industry related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. Operating in partnership with its Chapters, the Association provides a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.
Come and see us at Booth 218
AGC 2021 Annual Convention
Equipment, Technology and Construction Solutions Expo
in Orlando, FL
September 21-23, 2021
How Robotics Is Transforming The Construction Industry
ACR Co-Founders Stephen Muck and Jeremy Searock, along with LB Construction Enterprises president LaMar Childs, joined the Pittsburgh Robotics Network to discuss the exciting transformation robotics is bringing to construction. Childs provided unique industry insight as a real-world user of ACR’s TyBot.
You can watch the discussion below:
Danielle Proctor Talks "Robotics Renaissance" With Pittsburgh Business Times
Our CEO, Danielle Proctor, had a discussion last week with Regional Industrial Development Corporation’s, President Don Smith and Matthew Johnson-Roberson, director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute about Pittsburgh’s autonomous ‘renaissance’. Read the article and watch the video below to learn more about transitions from R&D to commercialization and manufacturing, creating jobs and other future growth opportunities.
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
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:
Rebar-Tying Robot Helps Ironworkers With The County Highway AB Overpass Project
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:
The Construction Brothers Podcast
On May 24, we were excited to be able to join Construction Brothers Podcast to discuss robotic solutions with Tyler and Eddie Campbell. ACR's CEO and President, Danielle Proctor, had an uplifting conversation about construction and how we can get modern equipment for modern crews.🎧 Tune in and discover the inspiring journey toward building a modern workforce.
Listen to the whole podcast here:
Discover Our Rebar Robots
Explore how TyBot and IronBot can revolutionize your rebar installation process today.
