[VIDEO] COBOD International debuts ‘first commercially available’ multifunctional construction robot

COBOD International and the Institute for Structural Design (ITE) have jointly developed what they call the ‘first commercially available multifunctional construction robot’

The multifunctional construction robot was demonstrated at the opening of the Digital Construction Site at Technische Universität Braunschweig, a public university in Germany.

Multiple tools can be attached to the telescopic unit

The system integrates a telescopic vertical extension unit with a robotic arm that enables the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP).

Shotcrete is used to reinforce complex concrete structures and in the construction of tunnels, swimming pools and retaining walls.

The vertical telescope unit is fixed between two X-axes on a COBOD BOD2 3D construction printer and can support multiple other tools, such as a paint spray gun, insulation tool, sanding equipment and more.

With a dynamic vertical range of 3m of the telescopic unit, the robotic arm can fully reach and manipulate an already printed wall 3m below the X-axis.

3D printing can help maximise efficiency in the construction industry

“3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes of simple as well as very complex tasks, like the fabrication of reinforced double curved walls,” said Professor Harald Kloft for Structural Design at ITE.

The system can be used to digitally fabricate reinforced concrete structures with high surface quality and geometric range. The concrete can be built up first and then the reinforcement is inserted, or the reinforcement has a prefabricated shape that is then shotcreted from both sides. The robotic arm can be fitted with a sanding tool to finish the surfaces.

“The ability to make complex, individualised, material efficient and low waste construction solutions makes 3D printing ideal for the construction industry, as it brings together economic, environmental and social aspects, such as the reduction of physical stress.”

COBOD’s multifunctional construction robot will now be deployed and tested in real-world building projects in collaboration with TU Braunschweig. These tests will provide critical data to guide future implementation and scaling of the technology in Germany and internationally.

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