26.4. Concrete Finishing: BASF's Doka Concremote and Robot Screeding (Europe)

Concremote is a sensor + AI system that works in tandem with screeding robots to determine the ideal time for concrete finishing based on curing data.

The Doka Concremote is an advanced system that combines sensors and artificial intelligence (AI). It is designed to help decide the best timing for finishing concrete. This timing is crucial because if concrete is finished too early or too late, it can lead to quality issues. The system gathers data about how the concrete is curing, meaning how it is hardening and setting, and uses this information to guide the robotic screeding process.

Think of it like a chef timing the finishing touches on a dish. If the dish is taken off the heat too soon, it may be undercooked, but if it’s left too long, it can burn. The Concremote helps in getting that timing just right for concrete.

• Humans install sensors and monitor data. • Screeding robots work autonomously based on sensor feedback.

In this setup, human workers play a vital role by installing the necessary sensors that collect data about the concrete. They also monitor this data to ensure everything is functioning properly. Meanwhile, the screeding robots operate by themselves, using the feedback from the sensors to determine how to finish the concrete effectively. This collaboration allows humans to focus on tasks that require judgment and oversight, while robots handle the repetitive and precision-based screeding work.

Imagine a coach (the human) watching a game and making strategic decisions based on how the players (the robots) are performing. The robots are like players executing the strategy while the coach monitors and adjusts the strategy as needed.

• Used in German infrastructure projects for precision in large slab placements.

Doka's Concremote and screeding robots have been implemented in various infrastructure projects in Germany. These projects typically involve large concrete slabs, which require great precision when being finished. By using these robotic systems, the teams can achieve high accuracy in laying out the concrete, ensuring that the finished surfaces meet both strength and aesthetic requirements.

Think of laying down a giant jigsaw puzzle where each piece must fit perfectly. Just like working carefully to ensure that all pieces interlock correctly, the robots ensure that the concrete slabs are placed accurately and finished to a high standard.

• Avoids premature or delayed finishing. • Reduces wastage and rework. • Enhances final surface quality.

The use of Concremote and robotic screeding brings multiple advantages. First, it helps to avoid finishing the concrete either too soon or too late, which ensures the quality is maintained. This also minimizes wastage of materials because if the concrete has to be redone or repaired due to timing mistakes, it can cost both time and money. Finally, by focusing on precision, the systems enhance the overall quality of the concrete surfaces, making them better for a variety of uses.

It's similar to a painter who has the right tools and techniques to ensure a smooth and perfect finish on a wall. If the painter understands when the paint is dry enough to add another coat without ruining the job, they’ll achieve a better finish, just like how these robots ensure concrete is finished properly.

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