Robotic Demolition Equipment Upgrades Focus on Safety, Performance

Demolition can be a dangerous job but an emerging robotics market in the demolition industry aims to put less people in harms way by having robots do some of the most dangerous work.

According to the Association for Advancing Automation, demolition robots account for 90% of the construction robotics market, which is expected to reach $321 million this year. Remote-operated demolition robots keep the operator at a safe distance from the falling/flying debris and dust, fall hazards, and vibration, increasing safety and easing the physical burden on the labor force.

Representatives from Husqvarna said the company’s new upgraded DXR remote-controlled robots improve upon previous models that can assist with taking down unsteady structures and can perform jobs that are too dangerous for workers.

Other popular robotic demolition products include the Brokk 900, the Brokk 300 and the Aquajet Aqua Cutter 750V.

The DXR robots come in four models: the DXR 315, the DXR 305, the DXR 275 and the DXR 145.

The company’s website explained the purpose of the DXR line of equipment.

“When a job is too strenuous, challenging or time-consuming for human workers, these remote-controlled, 3-phase electric robots are the ideal workmates,” Husqvarna’s website stated.

The machines are controlled by a control box that includes a 3.5-inch color display. Husqvarna claims the DXR is the first machine of its type to use Bluetooth technology.

Husqvarna used this year’s World of Concrete show in Las Vegas to unveil a new technology that the company says will redefine the remote demolition industry.

The line of new DXR’s displayed at World of Concrete is an improvement on a previous line of robotic demolition equipment from Husqvarna that included the DXR 300 and the DXR 270.

The company touts the DXR’s sturdiness as well.

“Husqvarna DXR machines are designed and built for long work days in tough conditions, far from the nearest repair shop or spare part warehouse,” Husqvarna’s website stated. “The main body is solid cast to withstand extremely high forces. All service points are easily accessible to facilitate daily inspection and maintenance.”

A representative from Husqvarna at World of Concrete said the upgraded products represent a 20 percent increase in horsepower from the DXR’s electric motor. The company also increased the hydraulic flow in the new upgraded DXR’s, which give the robot increased speed and performance.

According to Husqvarna’s website, the new DXR’s all feature increased performance, safer operation, superior remote control and live surveillance.

"Featuring a wide and expanding range of attachable tools and accessories, Husqvarna DXR machines are useful and efficient for virtually all heavy and hazardous work on any construction or refurbishing site: breaking, crushing, shearing, digging, shovelling, grappling, surface removal and trenching."