Corporate Innovation Lead at Hensel Phelps

Mihir Somalwar

As the construction industry continues to evolve, robotics emerges as a transformative force, reshaping how projects are conceived, planned, and executed. At Hensel Phelps, we recognize the pivotal role of robotics in construction, and through our innovation arm, Diverge, we have adopted a systematic approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies into our workflows.

Embracing Robotics: A Strategic Partnership

Diverge serves as the catalyst for innovation within Hensel Phelps, bridging the gap between traditional construction practices and emerging technologies. Central to our approach is collaboration with industry leaders in construction robotics solutions such as Hewlett Packard and HILTI. By partnering with these companies, we gain access to their latest robotics products, enabling us to evaluate their efficacy and suitability for integration into our projects.

Testing and Evaluation: The Diverge Advantage

Diverge facilitates and supports the testing of new technologies, providing the means and methods for thorough testing, evaluation, and collaboration. Through controlled pilots and testing, we ensure rigorous evaluation and compliance with protocols, facilitating seamless integration into jobsites when required. 

Our collaborative approach and co-innovation with industry partners empower our teams to explore new technologies and methodologies, enabling them to gain valuable insights and access to pertinent data. Simultaneously, our partners receive critical feedback and data to refine their products, aligning with the evolving needs of end customers.

"Robotics will continue to redefine construction, offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and precision."

One such innovation is the HP SitePrint, a layout robot developed by Hewlett Packard. Utilizing advanced algorithms, SitePrint offers new capabilities in on-site layout printing, streamlining construction processes, improving accuracy, and reducing project timelines. Through our partnership, Diverge has played a critical role in utilizing and providing valuable feedback about SitePrint, optimizing its performance for construction applications.

Case Study: HP SitePrint in Action

Project Name: HP86 Project Location: Arizona Objective: Streamline layout processes and improve efficiency. Challenges: Tight timelines and the need for increased efficiency without compromising accuracy. Solution: Diverge deployed the Hewlett-Packard SitePrint layout robot. Results: SitePrint robots significantly increased efficiency and precision, completing layout tasks in half the time with 100% accuracy. Key Learnings: Successful deployment showcased the power of collaboration and expertise. Diverge's innovation team ensured seamless integration, emphasizing commitment to innovation.

In addition to our collaboration with Hewlett Packard, Diverge has also partnered with HILTI to integrate their innovative Jaibot solution into our construction workflows. Jaibot represents a paradigm shift in construction automation, offering autonomous drilling capabilities to enhance productivity and precision on job sites. Through rigorous testing and evaluation at our Innovation Center, Diverge has facilitated the seamless integration of Jaibot into our projects, unlocking new levels of efficiency and quality in construction operations.

Conclusion: Pioneering the Future of Construction

In 2024, robotics in construction reached a significant milestone, driven by the exponential growth of AI technologies. At Hensel Phelps, we're dedicated to fully leveraging robotics to innovate, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainability in construction. Looking ahead, robotics will continue to redefine construction, offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and precision. With our systematic approach to innovation, strategic partnerships, and commitment to excellence, we're pioneering the future of construction, one robotic innovation at a time. At Hensel Phelps, we take pride in leading the charge towards a future where robotics revolutionizes the construction industry.