To speed up the construction of public housing, the Housing Authority has been embracing innovation and technology to enhance efficiency, including the use of robots, which have proved instrumental in streamlining various construction processes.

Among the cutting-edge technology being utilised by the authority is a specially designed wall grinding robot. The device effectively smooths uneven concrete surfaces, preparing them for skim coating before the final paint finish. Equipped with a mini vacuum, the robot efficiently collects the dust generated during the grinding process, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment.

An even more advanced robot has been deployed for internal wall painting. Employing 3D mapping, orientation systems and indoor navigation technology, the autonomous robot can complete over 90% of internal painting tasks and eliminates the need for workers to manually paint walls. This in turn, increases occupational safety as workers no longer need to worry about straining their necks to paint ceilings or risk getting paint in their eyes.

Senior Site Foreman Law Chi-fai pointed out that the robots require minimal maintenance, with workers only needing to replenish materials when necessary.

“The robot is really fast and saves a lot of time too. For example, if it usually takes one hour to complete painting a flat, the robot can get the job done in around 15 to 20 minutes.”

He added that it was important for workers to update their skillsets and adapt to the increasing use of robotics in the construction industry.

Worker safety
Welding is one of the most dangerous tasks for workers in industrial settings and manual welders are regularly exposed to high temperatures and glare.

Skilled welders can now use a tablet to operate robots which can help handle routine or repetitive welds.

“Construction robots can assist or replace construction workers in carrying out certain high-risk or physically demanding tasks. That could also help to improve site safety and the working environment as well as raise the image of working in a construction site,” Housing Department Structural Engineer Yu Tsz-ying explained.

Promoting tech
In March 2020, the Housing Authority started to include construction robotics technologies as a tender assessment aspect for new works.

“When we invite tender submissions, we would like to focus on three items in the construction robotic section, including external wall painting, internal wall painting and floor finishing.

“If the tenderer can demonstrate that the robots used can improve productivity, quality and safety, and promote environmental protection, the tenderer will be allocated a higher technical score so as to encourage the use of construction robots,” Ms Yu added.

Construction robots have been and will be employed in 37 projects, including multi-function robots for internal wall painting and rendering.