News

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.

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and growth for the southwest Pennsylvania region’s robotics cluster, yesterday announced changes to its board of directors and executive officers. Jorgen Pedersen has stepped in as the new board president, and Stephen Muck is now secretary.

To read the full article go to https://www.therobotreport.com/pittsburgh-robotics-network-welcomes-new-board-members/

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Today, economic development leaders Audrey Russo, President & CEO, and Brian Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Operations and Government Affairs, both from Pittsburgh Technology Council, Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, and John Myler, Assistant Construction Manager with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, joined Western Pennsylvania political leaders Senator Lindsey Williams and Representative Robert Mercuri, along with Patrick Joyal, Southwest Region Director, from the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, met at Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), to learn more about the cutting-edge robotics technology developed in Pittsburgh, and currently being deployed throughout the United States of America.

"On our tour, we saw literal change in action and how investments in advanced technology create local jobs," said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. "We are fortunate to have a thriving robotics industry in our region, and our goal is to support organizations, like Advanced Construction Robotics, as it strives to develop talent and grow its workforce. We want to foster an economic environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania where residents that want to work in the robotics industry have the opportunity to do so."

ACR’s technology addresses labor shortages and infrastructure demands by supplementing labor to reduce infrastructure costs and improve quality while reducing worker injuries. This new technology is exactly what the Governor’s economic development plan targets when discussing new technology impacting infrastructure markets. The ACR Team has developed two robots: TyBOT®, which ties rebar intersections on bridge decks, and IronBOT®, which carries and places rebar—both labor-intense and physically demanding jobs. ACR is actively working with the local Ironworkers Employers Association (IWEA) and the International Ironworkers to train their Ironworkers on using these tools of the trade to enhance productivity and safety on jobsites.

State Representative, Robert Mercuri, commented, “I was very impressed with the innovative technology employed by Advanced Construction Robotics in their rebar applications. This technology can be utilized across the economy in future applications and current projects to accelerate project time completion, build new job categories for Building Trades professionals and support worker safety, and overall productivity. I’m looking forward to seeing their technology support growth across the Commonwealth.”

The company was founded by Stephen Muck, Chairman and CEO of Brayman Construction Corporation, a leading infrastructure contractor, who had a vision five years ago to improve the productivity of the labor force and the quality of infrastructure products while accelerating their delivery while reducing the impact to the traveling public.

Mr. Muck said, “This vision is becoming a reality, and contractors, along with the Ironworkers Union, are using the products to do exactly what we had hoped when we founded ACR.”

Today, the group had the opportunity to watch a physical demonstration of TyBOT at the company’s headquarters in Allison Park, PA, and watched a video of IronBOT placing rebar on a project in Port St. Lucie, FL. Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of ACR, said, “When we combine IronBOT and TyBOT on a job site, the productivity cost and schedule savings are truly disruptive. We are looking forward to working with these agencies on creating future positions, such as the Robot SupervisorTM, and expanding the workforce in robotics outside of traditional engineering roles.”

ACR is actively discussing creating a workforce development program with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, and the Southwestern PA Commission. Mr. Muck is hoping Governor Shapiro’s program will support ACR as they move from product development and the Robots as a Service (RaaS) model to full-scale manufacturing and sales of their products. ACR is currently in discussions with two major corporations interested in accelerating the products to market. Mr. Muck hopes PA will step up in a way that will keep manufacturing these highly technical robotic solutions in Western PA. She stated that she is excited these agencies and forward-thinking political leaders took the time to learn more about ACR and robotic solutions for infrastructure.

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About Pittsburgh Technology Council: Representing the aggregate voice of more than 1,400 member companies, the Pittsburgh Technology Council employs an experienced government relations team that works to educate individual technology forms about government-related threats and opportunities, while also working to promote a pro-growth public policy agenda on behalf of the entire region’s technology industry.

Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), a leading innovator in construction robotics, is proud to announce that it has been named one of the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards recipients for 2024, presented by The Robot Report. This recognition highlights ACR's commitment to innovating infrastructure through robotics, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey towards transforming the construction industry with innovative, automated solutions.  

"Receiving the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award highlights our disruptive solutions to reinforcing rebar installation," said Stephen M. Muck, Founder and Executive Chairman of Advanced Construction Robotics. "This award endorses our technology and its impact on the construction industry to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of infrastructure projects.”

For over a decade, the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards have celebrated the robotics industry's most influential and innovative companies. ACR's inclusion in this list highlights the company's exceptional contributions to the field, especially in developing groundbreaking technologies that address critical challenges in construction.  

Steve Crowe, Executive Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media, commented on the awards, stating, "The incredible work of this year's RBR50 winners represents the cutting edge of robotics and raises the bar for the industry. We look forward to celebrating all of the innovators at the inaugural RBR50 Gala (May 1, 2024) during the Robotics Summit & Expo."  

ACR's recognition in the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards is a testament to its team's hard work, dedication, and creativity. It reflects the company's ongoing efforts to advance the state of robotics in construction and foster a safer, more efficient, and more productive industry.  

"We are deeply honored to be a recipient of the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards," said Danielle Proctor, President and CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics. “This award reflects our team's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics to enhance the construction industry's capabilities, improve safety, and increase efficiency on project sites worldwide."  

ACR is positioned to continue its trajectory of making construction robotics a commercial reality, with plans to expand its offerings further and explore new applications of robotics in construction. This award recognizes ACR's past achievements and inspires future endeavors in robotics innovation.

Cirtronics will exhibit and host a dynamic panel on successful robotics commercialization at the Robotics Summit and Expo on May 1st and 2nd at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Attend the Cirtronics-sponsored panel discussion "Paving the Road to Success in Robotics Commercialization" on May 1st at 11:30 am in Room 257B and listen as industry leaders share crucial insights and experiences in overcoming obstacles, scaling operations, and bringing innovative ideas to market successfully.

The panel features leaders Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Robotics Network, Brandon Contino, Co-founder & CEO of Four Growers, and Stephen M. Muck, Founder & Executive Chairman of Advanced Construction Robotics and Chairman & CEO of Brayman Construction Corporation. The panel will be moderated by the Chair of Cirtronics’ Board of Directors, Andy McMillan.

Tom Ferrin, Cirtronics’ CRO, emphasizes, "In the fast-evolving robotics industry, practical

advice rooted in real-world experiences is crucial for achieving commercialization success. Our customers highlight navigating regulatory hurdles, ensuring compliance, and forming partnerships as vital considerations in this rigorous field. That's why we assemble panels with industry experts to share best practices. Our diverse panelists from agriculture, construction, and entrepreneurship backgrounds will reveal their proven pathways to success, offering valuable insights on aligning visions with reality."

Cirtronics invites you to this insightful panel discussion and to visit Booth #206 to discuss your commercialization needs. For more information about Cirtronics, visit their website.

About Cirtronics

Located in the Greater Boston area, Cirtronics specializes in manufacturing complex systems for highly regulated markets such as robotics, medical, security, defense, and industrial. Thriving on exacting standards and attention to detail, Cirtronics delivers tailored services through Precision Engagement®, encompassing manufacturing readiness, strategic sourcing, full-scale manufacturing, testing, and fulfillment of electromechanical or mechanical systems, sub-assemblies, and boards. As an ISO 9001 and 13485 Certified, FDA and ITAR Registered, and employee-owned business, Cirtronics ensures excellence in every aspect of its operations. Learn more at www.cirtronics.com.