Introducing the Robotic Constructor
The autonomous robot with a large gripper used in Zurich, Switzerland, has showcased its ability to construct massive stone walls without the need for mortar. Equipped with lidar technology for creating its own 3D map of the construction site, the robot is capable of transforming a pile of boulders into a 6-metre high, 65-metre long stone wall.
How It Works
The robot scans and weighs each irregularly-shaped stone to determine its placement in the wall, with the ability to place a stone every 12 minutes. While this rate is 10% slower than experienced human operators, the robot’s precision and accuracy in stone placement are remarkable. With a median positional error of just one-tenth of a meter, the robot’s success rate in grasping stones stands at 82%.
The Benefits
By utilizing digital mapping and AI-powered analyses, the robot minimizes the need for additional workers and manual labor typically required in traditional construction. Unlike manual construction, the robot’s efficiency in placing stones almost perfectly reduces the reliance on additional workers to add supporting stones, gravel, and dirt without the need for mortar.
Future Prospects
While the robot currently operates under human supervision for safety reasons, researchers are focused on enabling the robot to function fully autonomously while ensuring safety alongside human workers and other machines. The successful implementation of this robotic technology could revolutionize large-scale construction projects, offering a faster and more precise alternative to traditional methods.
Topics: Construction Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Construction
