ABB robots will revolutionize the assembly of prefabricated modules for industrial construction projects. By automating essential production tasks, this partnership aims to enhance safety and sustainability while increasing productivity and quality.
ABB happens to be intensifying its efforts in order to transform the construction industry by way of robotic automation through a new collab with SAMSUNG E&A. This collaboration will deploy ABB robots in SAMSUNG E&A’s Smart Shops to construct prefabricated modules for global construction projects.
Craig McDonnell, Managing Director of Business Line Industries at ABB Robotics, highlighted the crucial challenges in the EPC sector, particularly improving productivity and sustainability. He emphasized that automation presents significant opportunities by reducing production errors, given that the construction industry is responsible for roughly one-third of global waste. McDonnell also mentioned that ABB robots would help SAMSUNG E&A’s Smart Shops increase productivity by producing more parts in less time, improving quality, and enhancing sustainability by cutting down on waste.
Formerly known as Samsung Engineering, SAMSUNG E&A is a comprehensive solutions provider with expertise across the energy sector, including transitions to renewable sources, oil and gas processing, refinery, petrochemical, environmental, industrial, and bio plants. By establishing automated Smart Shops, the company seeks to innovate its global supply chain and promote greater adoption of automation in the construction industry.
The collaboration will facilitate the unmanned fabrication of pipe components and support structures, utilizing ABB’s robots for tasks such as cutting, grooving, and welding. In the following year, a second phase will involve ABB supplying robots for automated rebar assembly.
Bryan (S.Y) Lee, Head of the Smart Automation Team at SAMSUNG E&A, pointed out that the EPC industry is facing growing skill shortages, a demand for higher quality, and short lead times. He suggested that using robotics for automated heavy-duty tasks like welding and lifting offers an ideal solution. Lee added that automating production in their Smart Shops would make EPC project execution more competitive while positively impacting the pipe and steel structure manufacturing industry.