Automated laser measuring device for a modular construction manufacturer

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In construction manufacturing, measuring tools (tape/laser) are widely used but hinder the efficiency of the production line. For example, during one of the typical processes in current practice, rim board fabrication, manually measuring the floor joist/wall stud layout at a side table is considered a non-value-added activity, adding 30 to 45 minutes of labour and accounting for at least 50% of the cycle time of the overall rim board fabrication process. C&V Smart Structures is seeking new technologies that can optimize the process by integrating the automation concept with measuring technologies to determine distances, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and error-prone traditional approach. DESIGNING THE MEASURING DEVICE. The aim of this stage is to design a measuring device for the available framing jig table in order to eliminate the need for measuring on the production line. The possibility will be investigated of mounting a movable laser-based measuring device on the side of the framing jig table and attaching a measuring reflector directly at a corner of the framing jig table to help the measuring device find its relative location based on a given distance. FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED SOLUTION: The deliverable needs to include (1) complete design of the laser measuring tool on the jig table; (2) a preliminary study of the proposed tools, including future-state Value Stream Mapping where test run data is used (testing will also help to reveal barriers introduced by the new process); and (3) the requirements for the dataset that is to be read by the laser components. By promoting the mindset of challenging the conventional construction process and replacing traditional practices with innovative new technologies, the Canadian modular manufacturing industry can become more competitive in the world market. Optimizing the modular construction process from the bottom up will enable the construction industry to continuously offer customers high-quality and affordable products.