3DLOOP: Integrating feedback-loops for autonomous robot-based 3D Concrete Printing

3DLOOP will enable autonomy and robustness to robot systems for 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) robotics, moving the process a step closer to a truly automated digital fabrication process.

Background

3DLOOP: Integrating feedback-loops for autonomous robot-based 3D Concrete Printing

Extrusion-based 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is one of the leading development areas in architectural and construction robotics at present. Despite its great potential in revolutionizing the way we build sustainable architecture and providing a safer construction site, the robotic 3DCP process is still characterized by a limited automation level.

This is because the high degree of complexity in handling cementitious materials still demands human interventions to manage changes in operational conditions, e.g. temperature and humidity.

This project aims at rendering robot-based 3DCP autonomous and robust by 1) monitoring key aspects that impact the 3DCP process and 2) elaborating a concept for a robotic system capable of adjusting in real-time aspects such as the extrusion rate as well as quality and dimensional monitoring.

As such, 3DLOOP will enable autonomy and robustness to robot systems for 3DCP robotics, moving the process a step closer to a truly automated digital fabrication process and helping construction and automation companies expand their market.

Purpose / Vision

Construction Robotics is a rapidly upcoming area of development in the field of automation. The building industry suffered historically from insufficient automation levels, which are explained by the difficulties related to automating material-intensive construction processes, the scale and complexity of the construction environment, and the level of customization needed for building production.

The research knowledge generated from 3DLOOP will be of benefit to construction robotics companies, sensors and camera producers, system integrators, end-users in the construction industry (e.g. construction and engineering firms) as well as concrete material producers, so they can tap into a fastly growing market.

By combining hardware and computing capabilities, the project will showcase how robotic manufacturing, sensing technologies, material processing and design can be integrated into a closed-loop system to improve the 3DCP level of automation.

A number of Danish robotic start-ups are looking into this field as a strategic and emerging market, where robots can become a key technology enabler for sustainable construction. This is a field where both the CREATE Group at SDU and DTI have developed relevant research experiences in the past few years, also in collaboration with industrial partners from the construction and robot industry.

Expected Results

1) Demonstration of the feedback loops for the automation of 3D Concrete Printing process through monitoring systems and flow control

2) Review catalogue/publication on Robotic Sensing in Construction

3) Scientific and Technical publications.

Project participants

University of Southern Denmark – CREATE Group

Danish Technological Institute

Funding

The Ministry of Higher Education and Science has financed this project with 350.000 DKK.

Start and finish

The project runs from August 2021 – July 2023

Contact

Do you want to get involved or hear more? Do not hesitate to reach out:

SDU (CREATE): Dr. Roberto Naboni (Assoc. Professor): ron@iti.sdu.dk / +45 6550 7521
DTI: Dr. Wilson Ricardo Leal da Silva: wrls@teknologisk.dk / +45 7220 1034

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