SRI Robotics presents the future of excavation: Remote and automated digging

As workers retire, the construction industry faces increasing difficulty finding operators for heavy machinery. Considering this looming shortage, SRI has developed a robotic solution that automates repetitive actions such as digging and enables intuitive remote operation for more complex actions. This progressive autonomy approach will increase the productivity of remaining workers, create new opportunities for remote workers, and encourage new workers to join the industry by making equipment operation safer and more comfortable. Special thanks to: Reuben Brewer, Surjit Chhokar, Cregg Cowan, Brian Foster, Martin Gaudreault, Yonael Gorfu, James Herson, Tom Low, John Marlow, Riley Shear, David Smith, Csaba Szabo, Aravind Sundaresan, Zak Weiler, and Jen Wu. Music by Boogie Belgique (“All Over The World”, instrumental version). -- SRI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute with a rich history of supporting government and industry. For 75 years, SRI has led