What is a CiBot and What Are Its Major Benefits?

ObraLink's CiBot is a device designed for the automatic acquisition of information on construction projects. Thanks to its array of sensors, it operates continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, capturing images and other key records during the execution of the work—even under adverse environmental conditions. These features allow it to operate completely autonomously, with no need for on-site human intervention or handling.

Currently, the CiBot is a key differentiator for ObraLink, as it enables the ObraLink Control service. Moreover, its technology and operating capabilities make it a unique device worldwide.

But what exactly is the CiBot?

A CiBot is a combination of ultra-technological hardware and top-tier software. In the words of Christian Muñoz, IoT Software Engineer at ObraLink Lab, it's a mix of “advanced systems and cutting-edge algorithms.”

Are we exaggerating? Judge for yourself — the CiBot is composed, among other things, of:

• Router: To have internet access anywhere
• Mini PC: For local data processing and triggering automated routines
• Microcontroller: To control its electronic components
• Thermal (infrared) and RGB cameras: To gather project data
• LoRa Gateway: To integrate with the project's thermocouples
• LiDAR: For geometric terrain mapping
• Humidity, temperature, and motion sensors
• UPS: To provide backup in case of power outages

Thanks to its programming, the impact of the CiBot goes far beyond simply processing and displaying data on the ObraLink platform. It controls its own movements (without needing to stay connected to the internet) and acts as a backup for field data to prevent information loss. Furthermore, most of them are manufactured in Chile 🇨🇱.

Its main asset is its thermal and RGB cameras, which capture the data and deliver the information to the system. While these cameras are used in other industries like food processing, ObraLink is the first to bring the benefits of robotics to the construction industry. This enables us to monitor the concrete maturity process (i.e., the increase in structural strength) through a patented method that does not require on-site personnel.

Although simple in appearance, this process involves several complex steps. Once the images are captured by the cameras, the CiBot’s IoT components send the data from its minicomputer to ObraLink’s server via the internet. Our server then processes the information and displays it to the user through the platform’s modules and KPIs.

Giovanny Cáceres, Operational Management Engineer, shares that clients often say “the most remarkable feature of the CiBot is its automation—it's innovative to have a machine that shows the actual progress being made on site.” He adds, “the CiBot combined with the platform allows clients to access real-time updates without having to go to the site themselves, especially when the structural work is at higher levels.” We like to think of it as a virtual foreman, ready to provide on-site information to everyone involved—from technical office staff to executives in headquarters.

For all these reasons, the CiBot is a key device for the construction of the future. It’s a small sample of the big positive impact ObraLink is making by incorporating new technologies into the construction industry. We’re transforming the way construction projects are supervised and executed, offering greater efficiency, precision, and control over project status.

For more information on how ObraLink can help you digitize your construction projects, contact us here.