Cognitive Systems & Robotics Laboratory

Human-robot collaborative construction system for shotcrete digitization and automation through advanced perception, cognition, mobility and additive manufacturing skills ⠀ ⠀

Human-robot collaborative construction system for shotcrete digitization and automation through advanced perception, cognition, mobility and additive manufacturing skills

RobetArme develops a human-robot collaborative construction system for the automation of shotcrete (i.e. concrete spray casting), an emerging technology in construction domain. A multitasking Inspection-Reconnaissance mobile manipulator Robot (IRR) will fuse the latest Geotechnical models (BIM/CIM), high-density visual data and semantic SLAM representations to automate modelling and fast reconstruction of the surface to be shotcreted. The IRR will facilitate rebar reinforcement through metal additive manufacturing capitalizing on its precise repair skills. The Shotcrete and Finishing mobile manipulator Robot – SFR will apply dexterous concrete placement through closed-loop visual guidance methods, suitable for turbid conditions. Concrete mix-design and study on innovative reinforced cementitious materials will contribute to the reduction of materials and water waste during shotcrete. The SFR robot, equipped with universal tool changing capabilities, will also automate the surface finishing step through delicate and human-like robot manipulations, enabled from a safety operation toolkit that includes physical human-robot collaboration and human-aware navigation. A Digital Twin coupled with simulation tools, advanced decision making and task planning skills, will facilitate fast and greener shotcrete automation. The RobetArme system will be evaluated at four diverse construction sites in three different EU countries, i.e. tunnels/culverts, bridges posttensioned boxes, beams & piles of buildings and ground support walls, assessing its autonomous shotcreting abilities. As such, RobetArme aims to improve the repair/maintenance automation, foster adoption of robots in Construction 4.0 era, contribute to relevant standards, as well as to increase construction productivity, providing flexibility to the maintenance personnel and better quality to their workplaces.