Infrastructure developer Ferrovial has embraced automated technology in the construction of a new runway at Rafael Hernández International Airport (TJBQ) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The $239 million project includes a 10,826-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway, which is being built without disrupting airport operations. To meet that requirement, Ferrovial is deploying a trio of compaction rollers that have been modified to allow them to operate autonomously under the supervision of a single operator.
This enables the compaction rollers to perform multiple passes in a defined area following a programmed course. Using AI-powered vision systems and obstacle-detection technology, the equipment can automatically stop when it detects people or other vehicles, reducing the risk of incidents in high-activity work areas.
The automation enables the company to have continuous and precise control over each phase of the ground compaction, while facilitating more efficient management of resources onsite and reducing downtime typically associated with manual operations.
As these technologies continue to evolve, “an increase in collaborative models among construction companies, regulatory agencies, and technology providers is expected, with the goal of creating common standards and accelerating large-scale adoption across the industry,” the company said.
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