Hyundai Engineering has introduced water-spraying drones at apartment demolition sites to enhance environmental and safety management. The drones are designed to reduce airborne dust and minimize the risk of accidents for workers in hard-to-reach areas.
On August 4, Hyundai Engineering announced the successful completion of a demonstration project utilizing water-spraying drones for dust reduction at the Gwacheon Jugong 8 and 9 complex reconstruction site.
This demonstration was conducted in a real demolition environment, where Hyundai Engineering assessed the drones' performance, flight stability, and operational integration.
While dust suppression is essential at demolition sites, the process carries risks of accidents such as slips, electrocution, and collisions with heavy machinery. High-rise areas or structurally unstable sections pose challenges for workers and equipment, making adequate dust suppression difficult.
During the demonstration, the drones were deployed to dust-prone areas, spraying 50 liters of water per minute within a radius of 12 to 15 meters under calm conditions. The drones were directly connected to power cables and water hoses, reducing limitations on flight time and water supply.
Another notable feature is the ability to adjust the spraying location and range in real-time based on dust generation points. Operated remotely, the drones lessen the burden on workers who would otherwise need to enter hazardous zones.
Hyundai Engineering anticipates that the flexibility in spraying locations will enhance both dust reduction effectiveness and operational efficiency compared to traditional water trucks or fixed dust suppression systems.
As urban redevelopment projects increase, managing dust and safety during demolition has become a key issue to address complaints from nearby residents and reduce site risks.
Building on this demonstration, Hyundai Engineering plans to explore the potential applications of water-spraying drones in various sites and demolition processes. The company is also advancing the use of smart construction technologies, including wearable robots, material transport robots, and cleaning robots.
The HMG Construction Technology Research Institute, a joint research and development organization of Hyundai Engineering and Hyundai Construction, is developing construction technologies utilizing AI, robotics, automation, and digital technologies. Currently, they are enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency using ground-controlled tower cranes, four-legged robots known as 'Spot,' and unmanned drone stations.
A Hyundai Engineering official stated, “This demonstration confirmed the applicability of water-spraying drones in demolition sites. We aim to create a safer and more sustainable construction environment by applying these drones in various sites and demolition processes.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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