How Adetayo Onososen is transforming construction with robotics

Adetayo Onososen stands out as a trailblazer in the intersection of robotics and construction management. As a distinguished expert in the field, he has been at the forefront of integrating robotic technologies into construction processes, driving transformative changes across the industry.

With a career marked by innovative achievements, Adetayo Onososen has pioneered the application of robotics to enhance construction efficiency, precision, and safety.

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His work has significantly advanced the deployment of robotic systems for tasks ranging from site surveying and material handling to automated assembly and quality control. By leveraging cutting-edge robotic technologies, he has helped to streamline construction workflows, reduce manual labor, and improve overall project outcomes.

Adetayo Onososen’s pioneering work in enhancing human-robot collaboration in construction through Virtual Reality (VR)-based training addresses a critical gap in the industry and represents a largely unexplored research area in robotics. Over the past decade, the adoption of construction robots, such as drones, has surged in response to the need for advanced technologies that improve occupational health and safety on construction sites. However, these innovations raise safety concerns regarding human-robot interaction.

Mr. Onososen’s research highlights the importance of training for safe and effective human-robot collaboration. By integrating VR technology with sophisticated algorithms, he has developed a training tool designed for artisans and skilled workers to learn human-robot interaction in a controlled and safe environment. This approach is crucial, as it allows workers to engage with robotic systems without the risks associated with live interactions on-site.The high cost of acquiring these novel technologies underscores the need for affordable training solutions. Mr. Onososen’s VR-based tool provides a cost-effective option for organizations by enabling repetitive training in a risk-free setting. It also prepares workers for real-world scenarios, such as working at heights, by simulating human-robot interactions accurately.

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Feedback from exhibitions like the SACPCMP has been positive, with participants noting the tool’s effectiveness in replicating actual scenarios and tasks. Mr. Peter, a participant, for example, praised the accuracy of the drone models used in the training, highlighting the tool’s potential to enhance human-robot teaming and communication. This innovative approach not only facilitates safer interactions between human workers and robots but also offers a more economical training solution for the construction industry.

Reflecting on the roots of his passion, Adetayo Onososen recalls that during his time at the University of Lagos, he began to explore the idea of placing people at the heart of digital technologies. He envisioned these digital solutions as tools to enhance productivity in infrastructure delivery. Mr. Onososen explains, “Throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I focused on the safety of individuals, the importance of training, and the sustainability of digitalization in improving infrastructure. For the construction industry to compete effectively and achieve productivity gains, as well as enhance the resilience and responsiveness of infrastructure, it is crucial to prioritize a people-centered approach to digitalization. This approach integrates the capabilities of robotics with human creativity.”His commitment to sustainable and digital infrastructure development is particularly vital for advancing developing economies. By aligning with SDG goals, Mr. Onososen’s work supports socio-cultural progress and promotes health and well-being through innovative and effective infrastructure solutions.

Under the expertise of Onososen’s research efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leading force in the global shift towards sustainable and digitally-driven building practices. Other innovative solutions in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Johannesburg include an advanced algorithm designed to pinpoint potential failure points, such as leaks, in water distribution systems.

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This algorithm evaluates the risk of pipe bursts at each node by calculating a burst index, which incorporates factors like the average burst pressure of District Metered Areas (DMAs), pipe length, age, and thickness. To enhance its accuracy, the algorithm performs a sensitivity analysis based on pressure observations under various leakage scenarios, identifying deviations from a no-leak situation. DMAs are then ranked by their total burst risk, and nodes are categorized based on average DMA burst pressure. While the algorithm may initially identify more candidate nodes than necessary due to its lack of optimization, its results can inform sensor location optimization algorithms, thereby narrowing the search space for these sensors.

The implications of this work are profound. It promises not only to bolster Nigeria’s economy but also to significantly improve the quality of life for countless Nigerians who depend on reliable water infrastructure. As Onososen continues to spearhead digital transformation in construction, his efforts are earning recognition both within Nigeria and globally. His groundbreaking approach exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to address real-world challenges and drive substantial progress in even the most demanding sectors.