Revolutionary Developments in Construction: COBOD International and Technische Universität Braunschweig Team Up
The Dawn of a New Era in Construction Automation
In a remarkable collaboration, COBOD International, a renowned specialist in 3D construction printing, has unveiled the world’s first commercially available multifunctional construction robot in partnership with the Technische Universität Braunschweig. This innovative stride is poised to transform how tasks are executed on construction sites, merging advanced technology with practical application.
Introducing the Multi-Faceted Construction Robot
At the heart of this innovation is the integration of COBOD’s cutting-edge 3D construction technology with a telescopic vertical extension unit combined with a robotic arm. This hybrid system is specifically engineered to facilitate the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP). Shotcrete, known for its effectiveness in constructing complex concrete structures such as tunnels and swimming pools, opens avenues for enhanced efficiency and quality in concrete application.
What sets this technology apart is its versatility. The telescopic unit is not confined to shotcrete applications alone; it is designed to accommodate a variety of tools, making the system adaptable to a range of construction needs. Positioned between two X-axes on the COBOD BOD2 3D construction printer, this evolution signifies a major leap towards multifunctional automation in the construction sector.
Automation in Action: The Demo at TU Braunschweig
A live demonstration of this groundbreaking technology took place at the grand opening of the Digital Construction Site at TU Braunschweig. Helga Kühnhenrich, head of department for research and innovation in the construction industry at the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), highlighted the industry’s pivot towards automation. This shift is anticipated to significantly lower costs and streamline labor requirements.
Advanced Fabrication Techniques
The collaborative project aims to push the boundaries of digital construction. TU Braunschweig plans to utilize this multifunctional system to create digitally fabricated reinforced concrete structures characterized by high surface quality and remarkable geometric freedom. The integration of reinforcement material into the SC3DP process marks a significant step forward; it can either be inserted after concrete application or constructed with a pre-fabricated shape, showcasing the system’s remarkable flexibility.
The robotic arm also has the potential to be augmented with sanding equipment, ensuring polished finish surfaces. Professor Harald Kloft, who leads structural design at ITE, emphasized the transformative capabilities of this partnership. “3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes for both simple and complex tasks,” he noted. The result is not just about efficiency but also about environmentally sustainable and socially responsible construction practices.
Multifunctionality at Its Best
This technology elevates traditional construction methods by offering a vertical reach of three meters through its telescopic unit. This allows the robotic arm to manipulate existing printed structures easily, demonstrating practical ingenuity. With various tools such as paint spray guns, insulation tools, and sanding equipment also attachable to the robotic arm, users can look forward to an expansive range of construction functions. For example, the system can adapt to automatically mount aerated concrete blocks or bricks, which were previously unassociated with 3D printing technology.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, COBOD’s managing director and founder, expressed pride in this evolution, underscoring a vision years in the making. “Seeing our vision of multifunctional construction robots materialize gives us great satisfaction,” he shared. With this technology, a multitude of construction tasks beyond the mere printing of concrete walls can be automated, heralding a new frontier in the industry.
Pioneering Sustainable Construction Practices
The initiative, titled The Digital Construction Site – Construction Industry 4.0, spearheaded by TU Braunschweig, sets out to explore how digital manufacturing technologies can reshape planning and production under real-world conditions. This interdisciplinary study combines the expertise of various institutes focusing on structural design, construction management, and materials science.
COBOD’s multifunctional construction robot will be integral to this exploration, allowing for hands-on data collection and real-world methodology testing in collaboration with TU Braunschweig. Professor Norman Hack remarked, “This launch is more than just a research milestone; it signifies a profound collaboration with a leader in 3D printing.” The project aims to unveil new possibilities in digital fabrication directly on construction sites.
Exploring New Frontiers in Robotic Technology
As the construction landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this groundbreaking technology become increasingly apparent. The fusion of robotic mechanisms with design flexibility allows for innovative solutions that prioritize efficiency, precision, and adaptability.
By leveraging hybrid, multi-material, and multi-process construction techniques, the industry can capitalize on the benefits of 3D printing, from minimizing waste to enhancing the economic viability of projects. The potential for applying a diverse set of materials where they are most effective could redefine construction methodologies, making it a key player in the future of sustainable building practices.
COBOD’s cutting-edge advancements not only signal a shift in the construction paradigm but also emphasize a brighter, more efficient future for the industry.