Japanese construction company Konoike Construction has inaugurated the "Konoike Robot Park," a test field for robotic technology, in Suminoe Ward, Osaka City. The facility spans approximately 900 square meters and features a variety of terrain, including diverse road surfaces, steep slopes, stairs, and rubble-strewn uneven areas. These settings allow for the testing and evaluation of robot performance and operations under different conditions, facilitating the development of optimal functionalities for construction sites. The park also serves as a venue for open innovation, exploring new paradigms of construction sites where humans and robots collaborate, thereby addressing industry-wide challenges. An opening event was held on August 23rd.

The robot park is divided into three distinct areas. The driving test area is equipped with straight paths made of concrete, gravel, and asphalt, as well as slopes and stairs with three different gradients, simulating conditions at construction sites. The off-road area allows for testing on unpaved ground and rubble, mimicking disaster-stricken areas. The multipurpose area is versatile, used for various tests, including those involving work robots or the navigation of obstacles within buildings.

The demonstration experiments involving robots are being conducted with the cooperation of two start-ups, KEN ROBOTECH and Pocket Queries. At the opening event, Konoike showcased multiple robots, including a quadruped robot for patrolling that has been introduced at the construction site of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the latest models, a rebar tying robot and a load-carrying robot. Demonstrations also included a walking test of a quadruped robot using remote control technology developed by Pocket Queries.

An executive of Konoike Construction stated, "We aim to explore new construction site models where humans and robots work together to enhance worker safety, improve labor conditions, and increase productivity. This facility is also an open innovation platform for joint development and demonstration experiments with robot manufacturers and partner companies possessing specialized technologies. We are committed to driving technological innovation across the construction industry and contributing to the sustainable development of social infrastructure." (2024/08/27)