Hudson's Revitalization: The Use of Robotics in the Work Place-Paper

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The Hudson’s site in downtown Detroit required major repairs before it could support a new mixed-use development. The existing four-level underground garage, built within historic concrete perimeter walls, had suffered from leaking water, concrete deterioration, and corroded earth anchors. Because the site was constrained by surrounding streets and buildings, the walls had to be stabilized and restored while the old parking structure was demolished.<br /><br />Hardman Construction used a four-stage approach: install structural steel beams to stabilize the walls, inspect and repair existing anchors, demolish the underground floors, and repair the walls with hydro-demolition and shotcrete. Robotic equipment helped address difficult access and safety conditions. An electric Brokk 180 robot positioned heavy beams in low-clearance areas where larger equipment could not safely operate and where combustion engines posed air-quality risks. A remote-operated hydro-demolition robot removed deteriorated concrete from the walls, including areas close to public pedestrian traffic.<br /><br />The team also tested and restored anchors, reinforced repaired wall surfaces with steel mesh, and applied shotcrete. Three-dimensional laser scanning measured wall surfaces before and after shotcrete application, helping verify material quantities. Water produced by hydro-demolition was collected, treated, tested, and discharged in accordance with local requirements.<br /><br />Despite challenges involving confined space, structural loads, anchor sequencing, public safety, and shotcrete logistics, the work was completed using a combination of engineering controls and new technologies. Stabilization and excavation were completed in October 2018, preparing the site for drilled-shaft foundations and the planned redevelopment. The project demonstrates how robotics can improve safety, access, and productivity on complex urban construction sites.

Keywords

Hudson's site Detroit

underground garage repairs

structural wall stabilization

historic concrete walls

earth anchors

hydro-demolition

shotcrete repair

Brokk 180 robot

laser scanning

urban construction robotics