#Japan #Osaka #Takamiya #TLEVER #Construction Robot

Takamiya Takes on Labor Shortages with TLEVER

In a bold move to tackle the severe labor shortages facing the construction industry, Takamiya Co., Ltd., a leading company based in Osaka and Tokyo, has announced the launch of its innovative scaffolding transport robot, TLEVER. Developed in collaboration with BuildeTech Inc., TLEVER offers a transformative solution aimed at automating the transportation of materials at construction sites, significantly improving productivity and safety.

The Need for Innovation

The construction sector has witnessed a drastic decline in workforce numbers from a peak of approximately 6.85 million workers in 1997 to an estimated 4.77 million by 2024, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This represents a concerning decrease of nearly 30%, underscoring the urgency of addressing the labor shortage.

Particularly within scaffold work, it has been reported that around 70% of the labor is consumed by transporting materials. Traditional manual transportation poses numerous challenges:

• - Harsh working conditions: Transporting materials by hand in confined spaces or over long distances places a considerable physical burden on workers.
• - Inefficiency: The diverse shapes and weights of materials limit the amount that can be carried at once, resulting in increased trips back and forth.
• - Potential for accidents: Risks include contact accidents during transport, stumbling due to visibility issues, and the danger of materials falling.

To address these challenges, Takamiya has leveraged robotics technology to create the TLEVER robot, designed to automate material transport and enhance both safety and productivity on construction sites.

Introducing TLEVER: A Lightweight, Powerful, and Safe Transport Robot

The TLEVER robot is engineered for practicality and ease of deployment, ensuring it serves the needs of construction sites effectively. Here are its key features:

• - Lightweight Design for Easy Setup: Weighing only 28 kg, TLEVER can be easily installed without heavy machinery, allowing quick operational readiness for users.
• - Impressive Transport Capacity: The robot can carry up to 500 kg of materials in a single trip, equipped with a high-capacity battery that powers continuous operation for up to eight hours.
• - Stable Operation Across Varied Terrains: Built to navigate unique pathways, including muddy or uneven ground, TLEVER utilizes a specially developed pipe rail to ensure stable transportation over long distances.
• - Robust Safety Measures: TLEVER is outfitted with three tiers of safety sensors that detect obstacles, prioritizing the protection of workers and the surrounding environment.

Documented Benefits of TLEVER

Through meticulous testing, it was demonstrated that one TLEVER robot could perform the work equivalent to about ten manpower units in transporting materials. This innovation not only liberates workers from strenuous transport tasks but also allows them to focus on their core skilled activities, boosting overall team productivity. In real-world applications, such as the transportation of brackets during bridge repairs, TLEVER has managed to cut labor hours by one-third compared to traditional methods.

Optimal Use Cases for TLEVER

The TLEVER robot excels in specific construction conditions, including:

• - Areas inaccessible to cranes
• - Narrow access routes where vehicles cannot enter
• - Low-clearance tunnels or undersides of bridges
• - Locations with inherent safety hazards such as heights
• - Uneven terrains filled with mud and rebar

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Takamiya aims to collect and analyze operational data from TLEVER’s rentals, including usage hours and transportation distances. This data will enable the company to propose tailored workflow management strategies and further enhance efficiency for customers in the construction sector.

Takamiya remains committed to advancing robotics technology as a means of alleviating labor shortages and ensuring safer work environments while enhancing overall productivity in the construction industry.

TLEVER Specifications

• - Transport Capacity: 500 kg
• - Transport Speed: 1.3 km/h
• - Climbing Ability: 5% (2.8 degrees)
• - Weight: 28 kg (per unit)
• - Dimensions: L76 x W61 x H38 (in cm)
• - Power Supply: Lithium iron phosphate battery, 100V, charging time 6-7 hours
• - Safety Features: Multiple sensor stop functions and waterproof capabilities

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

For more details on the TLEVER, please check the product video here.

TLEVER as Part of the Takamiya Platform

In response to challenges such as labor shortages and high costs in the construction industry, Takamiya offers a wide array of solutions under the Takamiya Platform. This includes a digital marketplace for temporary equipment procurement and operation, free job listings tailored for skilled labor, and numerous digital design aids. TLEVER exemplifies Takamiya’s commitment to enhancing safety and productivity in the construction realm.

Company Overview: Takamiya Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1969, Takamiya is a comprehensive service provider for temporary construction equipment, encompassing everything from development and manufacturing to sales, rentals, planning, and execution of temporary works. Through technological innovation, Takamiya strives to create high-value products and solutions that enhance safety and feasibility across various construction environments, thus contributing to the industry's advancement.