Shotcrele Rbot: In the New Austrian Tunneling Method shotcrete application takes as much as
30% of the total time; improving the efficiency of this one task can bring about significant benefits.
Normally, a skilled operator is needed to regulate the amount of concrete to be sprayed and the
quality of hardening agent to be added, both of which depend on the consistency of the concrete.
Kajima Co. has developed and implemented a computer controlled applicator, by which high quality
shotcrete placement can be achieved.
Slab Finishing Robot: Finishing the rough surface of a cast-in-place concrete slab after pouring
usually requires laborious human hand work, often performed at night and in adverse weather. The
robot designed for this task by Kajirna Co. is mounted on a computer controlled mobile platform and
equipped with mechanical trowels that produce a smooth, flat surface.6 By means of a gyro-compass
and a linear distance sensor, the machine navigates itself and automatically corrects any deviation
from its pre-scheduled path. This mobile floor finishing robot is able to work to within one meter of
walls. It is designed to replace at least six skilled workers.
Fireproofing Spray Robot: Shimizu Co. has developed two robot systems for spraying fireproofing
material onto structural steel.9 The first version, the SSR-1, was built to use the same materials as in
conventional fireproofing, to work sequentially and continuously with human help, to travel and
position itself, and to have sufficient safety functions for the protection of human workers and of
building components.