14.12.3. Applications

• In-situ concrete printing

In-situ concrete printing refers to the use of robots to print concrete structures on-site. Instead of creating elements in a factory and transporting them to the construction site, the robot uses a method similar to 3D printing to layer concrete directly where it is needed. This method allows for complex geometries and can reduce material waste significantly since the concrete is applied only where it is needed.

Imagine using a cake decorator to create a 3D cake directly on the dining table. Instead of baking layers separately and assembling them later, the decorator maps out and applies the icing and decorations in real-time—all while ensuring no excess frosting is wasted.

• Steel beam placement and welding

This application involves using mobile robotic systems to accurately place and weld steel beams during construction. Robots can navigate the construction site, lifting heavy beams and aligning them with precision. Automated welding systems ensure that connections are made consistently and efficiently, minimizing human error and increasing safety since workers don't need to perform dangerous welding tasks at height or in tight spaces.

Consider a giant robotic arm as a skilled symphony conductor. Just as the conductor ensures that every musician plays their part at the right moment for a flawless performance, the robot ensures that each steel beam is placed and welded perfectly, creating a strong and harmonious structure.

• Surveying and mapping using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)

SLAM technology allows robots to create maps of their environment while simultaneously keeping track of their location. In a construction context, mobile robots equipped with SLAM can navigate around a site, gather data about the layout, and map out specific areas. This helps in planning, identifying obstacles, and ensuring precise positioning of materials and equipment throughout the construction process.

Think of SLAM as using GPS combined with a compass in a forest. As you walk through the dense trees, your GPS tells you where you are, while at the same time, you're marking where you've been. This way, you can create a map of your path while figuring out how to get to your destination smoothly.

• Transport of prefabricated components across the site

Mobile robotic systems can transport prefabricated components, like walls or roof sections, from storage areas to their installation sites. These robots are designed to navigate safely around construction obstacles, managing heavy loads while minimizing manual labor. This application not only speeds up the construction process but also reduces the risk of injuries associated with lifting and transporting heavy materials.

Imagine a personal shopping robot in a supermarket. Just as the robot can efficiently navigate aisles, pick up items on a shopping list, and deliver them to your cart, construction robots can efficiently move heavy sections of a building from where they are stored straight to where they need to be installed, all while avoiding any obstacles.

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