Construction 3D printer manufacturer COBOD International introduces a multifunctional construction robot, made in collaboration with Technische Universität Braunschweig.
The telescope unit of the system has been developed in collaboration with the Institute for Structural Design (ITE). The unit is intended to expand the COBOD system for use with the Shotcrete 3D Printing (SC3DP) process.
The telescopic vertical extension unit with a robotic arm
The telescopic vertical extension unit with a robotic arm makes it possible to achieve the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP).
Shotcrete is used to construct complex concrete structures like tunnels, swimming pools, retaining walls, and to reinforce concrete structures. However, the telescopic tool is not limited to shotcrete applications; multiple other tools can also be mounted onto the vertical telescopic unit. The vertical telescopic unit is mounted between two X-axes on a COBOD BOD2 3D construction printer.
Reinforcement forms an integral part of the SC3DP. One option is to build up the concrete first and then insert the reinforcement. Alternatively, the reinforcement has a pre-fabricated shape and the mesh is shotcreted from both sides. Additionally, the robotic arm can be equipped with sanding equipment to finish the surfaces.
With a dynamic vertical range of 3 meters of the telescopic unit, the robotic arm can fully reach and manipulate an already printed wall 3 meters below the X-axis.
Tools for additional construction tasks
COBOD emphasizes that a variety of tools can be mounted on the new COBOD robotic arm, such as a paint spray gun, insulation tool, sanding equipment etc. These tools turn the 3D construction printer into a multifunctional construction robot capable of much more than just printing walls.
With a gripper system at the end of the robotic arm, the system can even automatically mount pre-fabricated building components. These include aerated concrete blocks, bricks or other components not usually associated with 3D printing solutions. This underlines the new multifunctional capabilities of the printing system.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, General Manager and Founder of COBOD International, said, “For years we have had the vision of making multifunctional construction robots on the basis of our 3D construction printers. Seeing the first materialization of our vision here makes me very proud. With this new technology we offer automation of many more construction processes than just printing of concrete walls. With our new COBOD robotic arm at the end of the telescopic arm there is an endless amount of construction tasks that our printing system can now automate and expedite to the benefit of our global customers.”
TU Braunschweig intends to use the delivered system for SC3DP. The aim is to digitally fabricate reinforced concrete structures with high surface quality and geometric freedom.
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