AUSTIN, Texas — If you think you're seeing what appears to be a robot on a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) jobsite, believe your eyes, because those actually are robot workers.
TxDOT has been using automated workers to assist on its jobsites across the state, including in the Austin area.
TxDOT says the machines help workers be safer and more efficient in areas ranging from construction projects to inspections.
The department uses three types of robots: TyBOT, which specializes in rebar-tying and is used in the Odessa area; Spot, a data-collection robot created by Boston Dynamics used in Austin; and WALL-E (yes, just like the movie), which is a storm-drain inspection robot used in the Austin area.
TyBOT was first used in May 2022 on the SH 302 Highway Project in Winkler County, near Odessa. The project resulted in the construction of two overpasses for the highway; one was over the Texas-New Mexico Railroad, and the other over SH 115.
TyBOT is able to tie up to 1,100 rebar connections per hour according to TxDOT, preventing wear and tear for workers.
Spot is a semi-autonomous, agile robot that assists with routine inspections and data collection tasks. Once it surveys a specific area, it can routinely inspect or gather data automatically in that space on its own at programmed times.
Spot can collect data for 3D models, inventory existing structures, account for existing assets, provide a clear picture of job site progress on an ongoing basis and much more. It can also be outfitted with sensors to meet mission requirements, such as light detection and ranging sensors, as well as balance loads close to 30 pounds, while maintaining the ability to roll over uncertain terrain like loose gravel, grass, small puddles, curves and inclined surfaces.
WALL-E has been used for storm drain inspection in the Austin area, and is frequently used to inspect areas that can present danger to humans, such as areas with snakes, rats and various types of debris.
