In The News

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.

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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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.

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.”

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.

Project & Crew Information:

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

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ACR Project Scope:

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

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

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

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Project & Crew Information:

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

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ACR Project Scope:

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

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

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

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Project & Crew Information:

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

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TyBOT Performance Metrics:

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

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ACR Project Scope:

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

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IronBOT Performance Metrics:

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

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

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

Read more by Ethan Duran on The Daily Reporter:

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

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