Automation in Construction Industry- LiDAR

Abstract

The world of automation has been growing rapidly for the last few years and it is there is a huge demand from the users. Many companies have automated their manufacturing processes which have led improved productivity and quality improvements. In the construction industry innovation technology is extremely slowly and reluctant to adopt new strategies and low budget also contribute to the slow innovation rate. Because of these slow developments in the technological innovation automation is uncommon solution in the construction industry. Most construction company in India does not fully achieve to implement automation due to various constraints. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate existing and emerging solutions that could be used to automate on site operation. A literature study was conducted to gain knowledge about the overall implementations, challenges, opportunities, etc. of automation and robotics in the construction industry. After the literature study to incorporate some extra data interviews were conducted with companies using automation at present and companies which intent to implement automation but face some obstacles in its implementation. To get idea about the factors that are becoming an obstacle in the implementations a questionnaire was designed. With the help of this information research questions were formulated. The result findings were regarding what are the possibilities to use automation, what are the benefits that could be possible after implementations, and what are the requirements and the challenges faced if automation is implemented. The data collected shows that the factors affecting depend on each site conditions. The study reveals that there are some challenges regarding the implementations of solution. This thesis provides knowledge of available technology (LiDAR) and if that can be used for automation on site as well as how to adopt new technology that can benefit the project in many ways. Here the benefits that can be expected from the successful implementations of such technology to increase the productivity, quality, time management with the help of automation are evaluated.

Introduction

Overview of the Indian Construction Industry

The Indian construction industry is a major contributor to the country’s economic development, providing significant investment opportunities and employment. It is the second-largest employer in the country and contributes about 10% to India's GDP. The industry is diverse, with large companies handling end-to-end construction, mid-sized firms focusing on specialized tasks, and small contractors working on a project basis.

Construction activity is primarily divided into:

• 50% Infrastructure projects

• 50% Residential, industrial, and other construction

Despite its size, the industry lags in automation, which is crucial for improving productivity and safety, especially in challenging environments or high-risk tasks.

2. Need for Automation in Construction

India’s construction sector is labour-intensive and traditionally slow to adopt automation. However, integrating advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and sensors can:

• Improve productivity

• Reduce human risk

• Ensure better quality outcomes

• Save time and cost

Automation becomes particularly useful in unpredictable or dangerous situations, where traditional methods may fail or put human lives at risk.

3. What is Automation?

Automation refers to using technology to complete tasks with minimal human intervention. In construction, automation includes:

• Operating machinery

• Fabrication

• Cleaning and mixing processes

• Surveying and site analysis

Automation works through preset rules and technologies like mechanical, electrical, and computer systems, ensuring consistent and error-free outcomes across the entire lifecycle—from planning to demolition.

4. Scope of the Project

The study aimed to:

• Assess automation feasibility at construction sites

• Investigate implementation challenges

• Evaluate technology like LiDAR

• Identify how automation impacts safety and quality

• Propose improvements and recommendations for adoption

5. Types of Automation Systems

Automation is categorized into four types:

1. Fixed Automation – Used in mass production with unchanging processes (e.g., conveyor belts).

2. Programmable Automation – Suitable for batch processes where operations can be reprogrammed.

3. Flexible Automation – Allows varied product processing using computer controls.

4. Integrated Automation – Full automation of the production process, including computer-aided design and manufacturing.

6. Case Study: Automation in Road Construction Surveying

A. Traditional (Conventional) Method:

• Involves manual surveying tools (theodolites, tapes)

• Requires skilled labor and high accuracy

• Time-consuming and risk-prone

B. LiDAR Method:

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to create 3D maps

• Two types: Airborne (from drones/planes) and Terrestrial (from ground units)

• Accurately measures topography and obstacles, minimizing manual error

C. Utilization of LiDAR:

• Helps in urban planning, flood mapping, and terrain analysis

• Measures reflectivity and creates a 3D “point cloud” of terrain

• Reduces need for ground-level surveying in congested or hazardous areas

7. Problem & Innovative Solution

Due to high traffic and congestion, traditional methods failed to capture precise road data. Engineers adopted:

• TF MINI-S LiDAR sensor for compact, efficient scanning

• Raspberry Pi 3B+ for recording and managing data
  This approach ensured accurate and non-invasive road mapping.

8. Earthwork Volume Calculations

Using LiDAR output and midsection formulas, engineers calculated:

• Road surface depths

• Required excavation volumes

• Cross-sections at intervals to compute total earthwork accurately

Conclusion

The TF MINI-S LiDAR sensor is a highly versatile and valuable tool that can be leveraged for a multitude of applications, ranging from distance measurement and object detection to obstacle avoidance and environmental sensing. Particularly useful in construction projects, it offers a more efficient and streamlined method of gathering data that can be used to make significant progress. In this case study, the sensor was used to estimate the amount of work required for the construction of a road. The ability of the TF MINI-S LiDAR sensor to measure the distance between the road surface and the sensor was instrumental in providing the necessary data to generate a numeric model of the road construction site. By collecting this data and leveraging it to create a numerical model, the engineers were able to estimate the amount of work required for the project. This required careful planning and a sophisticated approach to utilizing the sensor to create an accurate picture of the road site, inclusive of all essential information such as depth levels, excavation requirements, and potential road obstacles.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Miss. Prachi Parag Jagtap, Prof. R M Swamy. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.