Gabor Sziebig — or, as he likes to call himself, “Mr automation” — is convinced that automation and robots are vital to bridging the digital gap in the construction industry, making it more efficient, safer and greener.
A computer scientist and production engineer, expert in automation, flexible manufacturing systems and robotics, and Research Manager at SINTEF, he leads HumanTech’s work package 5: Construction Robotics and Human-Robot Collaboration.
“The construction sector is less digitalised and competitive than others, for example, manufacturing. Our main goal is to close the digital gap and move the industry towards more automation and better working conditions, which we can achieve by introducing robots on construction sites.”
Know more about his vision to create a better construction industry:
Q: How would you describe yourself? What drives you, both personally and professionally?
A: I have a short description of myself: “Mr Automation 😊.”
I always look for efficiency and achieving good results in all aspects of life. In my opinion, both come from using automation (whether in the form of machines or robots).
I have a multidisciplinary educational background, combining computer science and production engineering, which gives me the necessary knowledge of the problems that can be solved by a piece of software or mechanical equipment. When I can work at the intersection between these two fields (it can also be called mechatronics), I feel I can show and achieve the best results. HumanTech, in this sense, is a nice fit for me.
“I always look for efficiency and achieving good results in all aspects of life. In my opinion, both come from using automation (whether in the form of machines or robots).”
Q: How interesting! Indeed, your background fits very well with the work we are developing. What about your organisation, SINTEF? What do you do, and what is your focus?
A: We are a non-profit research organisation. Our success is the success of our clients — whether they are SMEs, large companies, universities or other RTOs — and the value we create for and with them.
Our research is supported solely by income from research activities, which means that all must be conducted sustainably.
Q: What does your work at HumanTech involve, and which part do you find most rewarding?
A: At HumanTech, I lead work package 5, Construction Robotics and Human-Robot Collaboration. The role of a work package leader requires both managerial skills and technical understanding, which suits me well.
Specifically, I am responsible for the deliverables of this work package and for facilitating the collaboration between the different activities in it. I have to ensure that everyone knows where, when and what needs to be done. The most rewarding thing for me is when people succeed in achieving their goals.
Q: What activities do you think you will enjoy the most?
A: I’m sure the pilots will be extremely fun; I look forward to being on the construction site! And, of course, I don’t forget the robots. Cutting concrete in the laboratory is challenging and very prosperous.
“I’m sure the pilots will be extremely fun; I look forward to being on the construction site! And, of course, I don’t forget the robots. Cutting concrete in the laboratory is challenging and very prosperous.”
Q: That’s right, the work we will do on our pilots is exciting — we look forward to seeing our progress on them! Specifically, what are the main goals and milestones you want to achieve with HumanTech?
A: The construction sector is less digitalised and competitive than others, for example, manufacturing. Our main goal is to close the digital gap and move the industry towards more automation and better working conditions. We can achieve it by introducing robots on construction sites. So I hope we will see more and more robots there!
On the other hand, I would like to see the robotic platform provided by Baubot working alongside a human. Either in close (physical) collaboration or a distant manner through a remote interface, which Tecnalia will develop.
Q: We hope that, through HumanTech, we can move towards a more efficient and digital construction industry, as well as a safer and more attractive one for its workers. Speaking of the industry’s future, do you think it can ever become net zero?
A: With the right amount of reuse and recycling, I believe so. However, we need more research on product documentation and health monitoring. Especially in the case of buildings, which are meant to last more than 100 years, the reuse of materials must be carefully chosen and executed.
Also, the mindset of those who design buildings (both architects and engineers) needs to change. In my opinion, the first thing to put in place is to legislate on the reuse and adaptation of buildings. This is a similar approach to the introduction of BIM in the public sector in many countries.
“The mindset of those who design buildings (both architects and engineers) needs to change. The first thing to put in place is to legislate on the reuse and adaptation of buildings.”
Q: What other projects focusing on the digitalisation of construction have you worked on that have inspired you?
A: Our work dates back to the EU Horizon 2020 project SPHERE, the first project related to the “Building Digital Twin” (it started in 2018). It was later followed by our BIMprove EU H2020 project (where SINTEF is the coordinator). Both projects set the bar high regarding expectations and ambitions to digitalise the construction sector using digital twins.
SPHERE is coming to an end this year, with the definition of the role and use of digital twins in architecture, engineering, construction & operations (AECO). At the same time, BIMprove shows successful results in creating digital twins while the construction phase is ongoing.
Learn more about our work at HumanTech and the team behind it! Know Jason Rambach, our project coordinator, and Bharath Sankaran, from Scaled Robotics, leaders of our work package 3: Dynamic Semantic Digital Twin Generation.
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