Archive for year: 2023

While more and more consumers enjoy the convenience of having a robot vacuum their home or take care of the lawn, it is in industrial applications that robotics have made the biggest impact. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes are unthinkable without industrial robots handling part of the workload, whether it’s handling, welding, or assembling, which are the three most common applications of newly installed industrial robots in 2022.

According to the IFR, Asia leads the way in the shift to automated processes, with China in particular installing industrial robots at breakneck speed.

In 2022, the country accounted for more than 50 percent of newly installed industrial robots worldwide, quickly catching up with industry leaders South Korea and Japan, who had the highest density of robots installed per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing industry in 2021.

According to the World Robotics report, a record number of 553,000 industrial robots were newly installed last year, as the global operational stock climbed to 3.9 million by the end of 2022.

China alone accounted for more than half of new installations in 2022, making it by far the largest market in the world.

With just over 50,000 new installations, Japan came second last year, followed closely by the United States and South Korea.

Japan is also the largest manufacturer of industrial robots, according to IRF, accounting for 46 percent of global production in 2022.

While China is the largest market in absolute terms and in terms of growth, South Korea and Japan are ahead of the world’s manufacturing superpower in terms of robot density, i.e. installed robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers.

According to the IFR, South Korea had 1,000 installed robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry, compared to 399 for Japan and 322 for China.

Twenty two countries have signed up to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, at the UN’s COP28 climate change conference.

The heads of state, or senior officials, from Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana,  Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the USA signed the declaration at the conference taking place in Dubai.

Speaking during the launch ceremony at the event, the US Presidential climate envoy John Kerry was reported by Reuters to have said that the signatories believed that the world could not get to Net Zero without building more nuclear energy capacity: “We are not making the argument that this is absolutely going to be the sweeping alternative to every other energy source. But … you can’t get to net-zero 2050 without some nuclear.”

The declaration says the countries recognise the need for a tripling of nuclear energy capacity to achieve “global net-zero greenhouse gas/carbon neutrality by or around mid-century and in keeping a 1.5 degrees celsius limit on temperature rise within reach”. It also recognises that “new nuclear technologies could occupy a small land footprint and can be sited where needed, partner well with renewable energy sources and have additional flexibilities that support decarbonisation beyond the power sector, including hard-to-abate industrial sectors”.

And there is recognition of the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency to support its member states to include nuclear in their national energy planning, as well as agreement on the importance of financing for new nuclear and it recognises “the need for high-level political engagement to spur further action on nuclear power”.

Those signing the declaration commit to:

• Work together to advance a global aspirational goal of tripling nuclear energy capacity from 2020 by 2050, recognising the different domestic circumstances of each participant
• Take domestic actions to ensure nuclear power plants are operated responsibly and in line with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, security, and non-proliferation, and that fuel waste is responsibly managed for the long term
• Mobilise investments in nuclear power, including through innovative financing mechanisms and invite the World Bank and other international financial institutions’ shareholders to encourage the inclusion of nuclear energy in their organisations’ energy lending policies
• To supporting the development and construction of nuclear reactors, such as small modular and other advanced reactors for power generation as well as wider industrial applications for decarbonisation, such as for hydrogen or synthetic fuels production
• To supporting responsible nations looking to explore new civil nuclear deployment under the highest standards of safety, sustainability, security, and non-proliferation

They also recognise the importance of promoting resilient supply chains and, where feasible, of extending the lifetimes of existing nuclear power plants. The signatories also “resolve to review progress towards these commitments on an annual basis on the margins of the COP” and “call on other countries to join this declaration”.

The declaration comes with nuclear energy becoming increasingly recognised by countries as being a key part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. The Net Zero Nuclear initiative, which was co-founded by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and World Nuclear Association, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Atoms4NetZero initiative, calls for “unprecedented collaboration between government and industry leaders to at least triple global nuclear capacity to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050”.

World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León said: “The significance of the Ministerial Declaration cannot be overstated. The countries supporting this declaration are making a resolute commitment, placing nuclear energy at the heart of their strategies for climate change mitigation. Their vision is one that strives for a sustainable, cost-effective, secure, and equitable energy mix all over the world.

“On behalf of the global nuclear industry, I express my deepest appreciation for your collective effort in crafting this bold and pragmatic declaration. Your commitment to nuclear energy is not just a statement; we take it as a challenge extended to the entire nuclear industry worldwide.

“As we move forward, we will unite and work together in an ambitious spirit to translate today’s goals into tangible achievements. We will continue to maximise our efforts to extend the operations of the existing nuclear fleet and work together to accelerate the deployment of new nuclear projects. We will continue to set the highest standards of quality, safety and security and will continue to work together to attract and cultivate the brightest minds among young scientists, engineers and other professionals to come and join us.”

The signing of the ministerial declaration comes the day after the IAEA issued what it called a landmark statement saying the world needs nuclear energy to fight climate change and build “a low carbon bridge” to the future.

“The IAEA and its member states that are nuclear energy producers and those working with the IAEA to promote the benefits of peaceful uses of nuclear energy acknowledge that all available low emission technologies should be recognised and actively supported,” the statement read by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

“Net zero needs nuclear power. Nuclear power emits no greenhouse gases when it is produced and contributes to energy security and the stability of the power grid, while facilitating the broader uptake of solar and wind power,” it added.

COP28 – which stands for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the original 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – is being held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 30 November until 12 December. Representatives of nearly 200 governments are attending and the aim is to continue efforts to limit the global rise in temperatures to 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Source: WNN

Exploring modern methods of construction and mitigating disputes

Construction has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years with the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These innovative approaches have revolutionised the construction process and introduced strategies to mitigate construction disputes. From modular construction to 3D printing, MMC techniques offer numerous benefits such as increased efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, while addressing common sources of conflicts. In this article, we delve into the exciting world of modern construction methods and explore how they can help minimise construction disputes while highlighting potential challenges.

Design and planning

Inadequate design and planning are common primary causes of construction disputes. Traditional methods often lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and errors during construction. However, modern methods such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) have significantly improved design and planning practices. BIM enables stakeholders to create a comprehensive virtual representation of the project, facilitating effective collaboration and reducing designrelated disputes. By identifying clashes and optimising design solutions before construction begins, BIM can minimise conflicts between parties and enhance project coordination.

While BIM has transformed information creation and dissemination, it does have drawbacks. Its effective implementation is expensive and complex, discouraging so far, its widespread adoption, especially on smaller projects and in less affluent regions. Differing levels of BIM adoption within a project team can also be an issue, as it relies on common standards and specific software and file formats. Compatibility issues and data loss may occur without adherence to these standards. Furthermore, BIM heavily relies on accurate and complete input data to generate reliable models. Flawed or incomplete data can lead to inaccuracies and rework during construction.

Local statutory requirements should also be considered when using MMC methods like modular construction. In the UK, the “Manual to the Building Regulations” published by HM Government, points out that existing approved technical guidance documents may not be applicable to MMC. Designers may need to go further to ensure compliance with Building Regulations for such structures, rather than relying solely on established guidance. Demonstrating the overall robustness of a structure can become more challenging and burdensome for designers compared to traditional methods, potentially leading to conflicting conclusions on compliance with regulations.

Enhanced quality control

Construction disputes often arise due to issues related to quality control and workmanship. Modern methods of construction, such as modular construction and prefabrication, offer controlled factory environments for manufacturing building components. These controlled conditions ensure higher quality control, leading to fewer defects and errors. By minimising the risk of poor workmanship, MMC techniques reduce the likelihood of disputes related to construction defects, delays, or noncompliance with specifications.

However, prefabrication introduces new challenges. Damage during transportation and handling is a common problem, especially with partially finished modular units containing delicate components. Offsite construction requires precise measurements and alignment of components. Any deviation from the required dimensions can result in assembly difficulties, poor fit, and compromised structural integrity. Maintaining tight manufacturing tolerances and constructing in situ elements with equal accuracy are important considerations.

Streamlined project timelines

Delays in project completion are a common source of disputes in the construction industry. Modern methods of construction, such as modular construction and prefabrication, offer significant advantages in terms of project timelines. Off-site manufacturing allows for simultaneous construction activities, reducing construction time and minimising the impact of adverse weather conditions. By accelerating project schedules, MMC techniques mitigate the risk of delays and associated disputes, promoting smoother project execution and client satisfaction. This can increase the criticality of early stage works – if, for example, off-site manufacture of modular units requires certain substructures to be in place prior to their arrival, any delays in their completion could lead to unforeseen storage and transportation costs which might not arise with traditional methods.

A further consideration is the impact that late changes may have upon production processes. Alteration of manufacturing lines can have significant implications on cost and programme, which may have been possible to resolve promptly with in situ construction. Ensuring the design is finalised well before production commences is critical.

Clearer contractual arrangements

Construction disputes often stem from ambiguous or poorly drafted contracts. However, modern construction methods have encouraged a shift towards more detailed and standardised contractual arrangements.

With MMC techniques, contracts can include specific provisions related to modular construction, 3D printing, or prefabrication, addressing potential challenges and clarifying responsibilities. Both NEC4 and FIDIC contract suites have introduced and addressed BIM protocols, as the adoption of BIM increases worldwide. Clearer contractual arrangements minimise disputes by establishing a mutual understanding of project expectations, deliverables, and risk allocation.

However, these new techniques come with new challenges that must be resolved. Methods like modular construction often require substantial costs for the contractor at an early stage of the project, which needs careful consideration. Dealing with changes can be challenging due to the lack of flexibility often associated with MMC, and managing the supply chain becomes crucial when timely delivery of components and materials is critical. Untangling liability for defects can also be complex, given the intricate contractual frameworks underlying these elements.

MMC techniques require close coordination between designers, manufacturers, and construction teams, encouraging proactive problem-solving and reducing the likelihood of disputes arising from miscommunication or lack of coordination.

Collaboration and communication

Effective collaboration and communication are vital in preventing and resolving construction disputes. MMC promotes enhanced collaboration through the use of digital technologies and platforms. BIM, for instance, fosters communication among different project teams, facilitating early identification and resolution of conflicts. Furthermore, MMC techniques require close coordination between designers, manufacturers, and construction teams, encouraging proactive problem solving and reducing the likelihood of disputes arising from miscommunication or lack of coordination.

Conclusion

Modern methods of construction have ushered in a new era for the construction industry, not only in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and affordable construction techniques, but also providing opportunities to mitigate construction disputes. If integrated and properly coordinated, through improved design and planning, enhanced quality control, streamlined project timelines, clearer contractual arrangements, productive collaboration, and effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, MMC techniques have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of conflicts arising during construction projects.

As the industry continues to embrace these innovative methods, efficiencies in construction techniques will continue to be realised – provided all stakeholders are willing to work collaboratively and embrace change.

Source: Lexology

The next generation of new build homes has been introduced by Castle Green Homes.

Combining time-honoured style and materials with modern methods and digital technology, the homebuilder has revolutionised the way its homes are built and sold.

Headquartered in St Asaph, Castle Green is currently building and selling new homes at Bridgewater View at Daresbury Garden Village, Cheshire; Brook Meadow, Penyffordd, Flintshire; Orchard Place, Thornton, Sefton; and Mayes yr Haul, St Asaph, Denbighshire.

Across all its developments, the homes combine the best of old and new, both in their design and construction. Externally they’re inspired by the architecture of the Arts & Craft era, while inside they’re designed for modern living.

The homes are built using sustainably sourced, precision-made timber frames. Around a quarter of UK homes are currently built with timber frames, but they date back to medieval and Tudor times.

“Modern timber frames offer a fast, reliable method of building, with lower CO2 created than conventional building methods,” Stuart Andrew, design & planning director at Castle Green Homes, said. “Effectively, the timber frame system replaces the block work in the construction of our homes. The properties still look the same, with the advantage that build times are reduced, so our customer can move sooner. Plus, because timber framed homes are engineered to have lower air permeability and are generously insulated, this reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the home, making them potentially cheaper to run.”

Castle Green’s homes achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A or B, making them among the most energy efficient available. Kitchens are fitted with energy efficient appliances. Eco labelled white goods such as dishwashers/ washing machines are provided or encouraged, all to A level rating.

The energy efficiency of a new Castle Green home increases the finance options available to our purchasers.

Sales and marketing director Caryl Russell said: “Research from the Home Builders’ Federation suggests those who live in a new house could save £2,200 a year on their energy bills*. The HBF found that new homes are 55% cheaper to run than older properties and predicts that when the Future Homes Standard come into effect energy bills for the average new build property will be 70% cheaper than their older counterparts. But it’s not just lower energy bills that our homeowners can enjoy.”

Caryl added:

“Homes with an EPC rating of B and above qualify to be purchased using green mortgages. Lenders tend to offer a lower rate with a green mortgage compared with a standard mortgage. This means that our homeowners can potentially enjoy long term savings on their monthly mortgage repayments. We can put buyers in contact with mortgage specialists who will help them understand the options available to them.”

Buyers at Maes yr Haul could find they have even more options available as selected homes there qualify for Help to Buy – Wales.

Designed to make homeownership easier to afford, Help to Buy – Wales is exclusive to new homes priced up to £300,000**. The Welsh Government scheme is only available with homes with an EPC B rating and above.

To purchase a home using Help to Buy – Wales, customers should only need a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. The remaining 20% is covered by an equity loan, which is interest free for five years.

Further  research by the HBF suggests it costs more than £70,000 to bring a three-bedroom semi-detached home up to the same standard of a new build equivalent.

“The financial cost doesn’t take into account the time or the emotional investment renovating an older property requires including sourcing trades and finding suppliers,” Caryl said.

“Buy a new Castle Green home and you can select from a wide range of standard and upgrade options to customise it to your personal taste, then sit back while we take care of the hard work.”

Castle Green has revolutionised the home-buying journey with Willow, a digital new homes assistant. The innovative system has earned awards including the digital transformation category of the Marketing Week Awards and the best use of marketing technology category of the Construction Marketing Awards.

“Willow is industry-leading, providing our homeowners with a digital new homes assistant to support them throughout their homebuying journey and beyond,” Caryl added.

“Developments and homes can be favourited and compared to help you make the right decision for you and your family.  All documents relating to the purchase of your home will be completed and stored online, meaning you won’t have to worry about keeping them safe.”

Willow can be used to customise your Castle Green home by selecting choices wherever and whenever you want, including making payment for extras. There’s the ability to live “chat” with customer care and sales teams and to watch the 10-step progress of your home being built.

Caryl said:

“We have an extensive range of options available to our homeowners, subject to build stage and Willow gives them the ability to see and compare the various choices. We don’t simply offer computer generated images of what a house type looks like, we provide customers with a digital twin of their new home so they can see exactly what their specification choices will look like in their new home.”

Source: Business Wales