COBOD International has introduced what it describes as the first commercially available multifunctional construction robot, developed in collaboration with Technische Universität Braunschweig. The system integrates a telescopic vertical extension unit with a robotic arm that enables the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP) for constructing complex concrete structures like tunnels, swimming pools, and retaining walls. The vertical telescopic unit is mounted between two X-axes on a COBOD BOD2 3D construction printer and features a 3-meter dynamic vertical range.
The technology was demonstrated at the Grand opening of the Digital Construction Site at TU Braunschweig this week. TU Braunschweig plans to use the system to fabricate digitally manufactured reinforced concrete structures with high surface quality and geometric freedom. The reinforcement process involves either building up concrete first and then inserting reinforcement, or shotcreting pre-fabricated mesh from both sides.
According to COBOD, the system can accommodate various tools beyond shotcrete applications, including paint spray guns, insulation tools, sanding equipment, and gripper systems for mounting aerated concrete blocks or bricks. Professor Harald Kloft for Structural Design at ITE explained: “Our partnership with COBOD is a decisive step towards the digital construction site of the future. 3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes of simple as well as very complex tasks, like the fabrication of reinforced double curved walls.”
The multifunctional construction robot will be tested in real-world building projects in collaboration with TU Braunschweig. These tests are expected to provide data for future implementation and scaling of the technology in Germany and internationally. The project is part of TU Braunschweig’s “The Digital Construction Site – Construction Industry 4.0 as the Key to a Digital and Sustainable Construction Industry” initiative, which investigates how digital manufacturing technologies affect planning and production under real construction site conditions.
Source: cobod.com