Feasibility of Utilizing Autonomous, Trenchless Tunneling Technology

The construction industry as a whole has not increased its productivity level as much as other industries in the world. Professionals are constantly trying to think of new ideas and methods to improve the efficiency of construction through new technology. One area in which productivity needs improvement, is in land development. Trenching for underground utilities and services uses a lot of time in a project’s schedule as well as costs which can be reduced with the use of autonomous, trenchless tunneling technology such as the “BADGER”, (RoBot for Autonomous unDerGround trenchless opERations). This technology is being designed to use a combination of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a GPS to dig a trench in the correct location and at accurate slopes while also utilizing 3D printing technology to create conduit to maintain the tunnel it just created. This concept seems to work in theory; however, it raises some concerns when put to practical use