Controlled demolition experts Castle and Pryor have taken delivery of a new Brokk 50 robotic excavator.
The featherweight machine weighs just 500kg and with a width of 60cm can fit through most doorways. It was delivered to the company's Hampshire headquarters along with attachments that include a hydraulic breaker, digging bucket and concrete pulveriser. The baby Brokk joins an extensive fleet of over 20 Brokk robots ranging in weight from 500kg to 4500kgs.
The company's newest arrival was immediately dispatched to a challenging project at Heathrow Airport. Using it's hydraulic hammer the machine undertook concrete breaking duties within a confined area of the airport. Conventional demolition excavators were deemed too heavy for the operation. The Brokk's electric motor ensured there were no air quality issues and the operator worked the machine remotely thus alleviating hand and arm vibrations. "This is exactly the type of job our machines excel at - tight, enclosed spaces that are weight and noise sensitive", remarks Company Director, Mark Castle.
Here is a video featuring the larger Brokk 90 at work in Stockholm Sweden
Brokk AB (formerly known as PE Holmgren and Rivteknik) have been manufacturing robot excavators since 1976 when the Swedish company launched their first model the Mini-Max which later became the PH250.
I can see a great future for these electric robot machines in todays health and safety awareness culture.
In fact a debate is currently ongoing about the use of electric machines over at Contract Journals new forum Construction Space join the debate by clicking here.
Thanks must go to Bryan Coleman of Castle & Pryor for contacting us here at Digger.
Comments (1)
Seams like a great way to keep the workers safe—no dust, no falling debris, no noise issues. Concrete dust is a real hazard.
Posted by Concrete Contractors Los angeles | January 26, 2010 11:46 PM
Posted on January 26, 2010 23:46