Shimizu Corporation has completed its investment in US AI and robotics company Noble Machines and will accelerate the development and field testing of humanoid AI robots to support work at construction sites. The plan calls for testing in a virtual space by the end of this year and field testing with an actual robot next spring.
Shimizu Corporation announced on 16 October that it had invested in Noble Machines, a US company developing AI-equipped humanoid robots for the construction industry. The investment amount was not disclosed.
Noble Machines has development capabilities in both hardware and software. By combining these with Shimizu Corporation's construction expertise, the companies aim to advance the development of humanoid AI robots suited to operation at construction sites.
The company plans to begin simulations by the end of this year to test the transport of materials and equipment and movement and patrols around the site in a virtual space, followed by field testing with an actual robot next spring.
Amid labor shortages in the construction industry, efforts to support or replace on-site work with robotics are gaining momentum. Noble Machines develops robot bodies, including its MOBY series, as well as control systems and operating software. Through the collaboration, Shimizu Corporation aims to improve practical applicability at construction sites.