Ross Grant works for BAM Nuttall as an Assistant Engineer on our SSEN Transmission Shetland HDVC Link project. He joined us after finishing his degree in 2018 and has since found his feet working with new applications and tech on-site. He has been instrumental in trialling Boston Dynamic’s agile mobile robot Spot with the Trimble X7. Ross, who has used Spot as a tool to complete his day-to-day tasks, takes a look at what this technology can achieve for us in the future.

Here, Ross provides an update on his work with Spot, six months on from its first use on site. You can read Ross’ first blog post here.

As I last left this “spot the blog”, I discussed the potential benefits we could achieve by implementing the Boston Dynamics Spot robot with the Trimble X7 Scanner payload onto site here in Shetland through our bespoke 5G network. Through participation in the UK Government’s 5G programme, exploring the potential of 5G connectivity in Construction – we’ve been testing what’s possible!

Being one of the site engineers based at Kergord, I have stepped forward to experiment with this technology working closely with Boston Dynamics and Trimble to ensure it creates outputs for site. Working closely with them we have now developed a ground-breaking tele-operation capability.

This means the robot, cameras and X7 scanner can be mobilised for data missions from anywhere in the world! Through the work that we have achieved, we have had our technology partner in Finland operate Spot remotely and our colleagues in Surrey perform scans, generate data, and present live presentations to stakeholders, clients, and colleagues.

To achieve the tele-operation capability the first step in the process was to create a link from a laptop to Spot’s internal core via a Wi-fi connection. Once connected I could then use Spot’s IP address through an application on my laptop connecting me to the robot. The final piece of the puzzle is to USB tether an internet enabled device to Spot via one of its USB ports, with that connected to the private 5G network on our BAM site in Shetland. Using the Trimble website then we have access to the remote operation function with a 5G connection to power and operate our Spot.

Now we have successfully integrated automated scanning, enabled by Spot carrying the Trimble X7 scanner, with our private 5G network, we are the first construction site to remotely scan using an automated robot to create point cloud data. This new way of creating a link to control a robotic automated scanner has been invaluable in generating data on site.

It has been clear in the last few months the benefits Spot can bring from a data collection perspective - enhancing our ability to survey on a remote site like the Shetland HVDC project – and this remote project is a tough proving ground for this new data collection technology. Added to the challenging logistics of working in such a remote location, the quickly changeable and extreme weather conditions have tested the robustness of the technology.

Spot can be used outside of traditional site hours, effectively creating viable data in a shorter period. The automation of routine data collection through programmed “missions”, frees us to focus on more value-adding tasks. It has also proven to have plenty of benefits including the ability to enter areas of work safely, without engineers needing to navigate hazards. The ability to work remotely improves inclusive and accessible practices while reducing travel needs, potentially significantly reducing a project’s carbon footprint.