Robots for construction sites: automation for the construction industry

Automation on construction sites reaches a new dimension with the mobile robotic systems from Baubot. Baubot's solutions rely on the latest KUKA robot technologies to efficiently automate monotonous and physically demanding work on construction sites.

Baubot revolutionizes construction sites

Construction sites around the world are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers and inefficient processes. To overcome these challenges, the Austrian scale-up Baubot GmbH from Vienna has developed a system that not only relieves the burden on workers, but also increases precision and safety on construction sites. Baubot robotics combines the reliability and performance of KUKA robots with intelligent functions that have been specially developed for use on construction sites. Although the mobile robotic systems (MRS) are controlled by humans, they perform repetitive and physically demanding work independently.

Thanks to a KR IONTEC, monotonous tasks such as drilling thousands of holes for handrails and cable trays can be carried out automatically – faster and cleaner than with conventional methods. The combination of a digital construction plan and fully automated processes makes it possible to optimize workflows on the construction site and minimize rework. The result: a significant increase in productivity.

Automated construction solutions

"Physically demanding tasks on the construction site, such as drilling overhead for hours on end, can be easily automated with our mobile solution. All mobile robotic systems from Baubot are always controlled by just one person, the so-called Baubot operator. The human operator is completely relieved of repetitive and strenuous work - the machine takes care of that," explains Simone Opocensky, CCO of Baubot GmbH.

The first Baubot robotic systems with a KUKA robot were used in pilot projects in the Koralm tunnel in Austria.

The combination of the flexibility, reach and payload of Baubot robotic systems with the precision of KUKA robots makes them mobile allrounders on the construction site.

Our goal is to take construction sites to a new level in terms of precision, cost and energy efficiency with automated solutions, while at the same time reducing the physical strain on people.

Simone Opocensky, CCO at Baubot GmbH

Simulation and perfection

The enthusiastic construction site expert, who has managed international construction projects for many years, emphasizes the importance of modern technologies: "With our mobile robotic systems, we not only want to make work easier, but also significantly improve precision and safety on construction sites." By using fully automated construction robotics and integrating a digital construction plan, users can almost completely automate construction site processes and thus significantly increase productivity. Simone Opocensky explains: "Thanks to the complete simulation of drilling processes on site, rework and delays can be reduced to a minimum."

By using Baubot with a KUKA robot, individual construction site processes are almost completely automated.

The first mobile robotic systems from Baubot were used in pilot projects in Austria for the Koralm tunnel and in Germany for the Engelberg tunnel. The Baubot MRS15 with integrated drilling application was able to drill thousands of holes for handrails and cable routes faster, more precisely and more cleanly than conventional methods. A decisive advantage: the KUKA robot effectively extracts the drilling dust during the entire process, which protects the health of those working on site and keeps the construction site cleaner.

KUKA believed in our Baubot idea from the very beginning and supported us with industrial robotics at a high technical level.

Victor Rodionov, MBA, Managing Director at Baubot GmbH

KUKA robot stands out

Baubot deliberately chose KUKA robots in order to develop robust and durable solutions for the demanding conditions on construction sites. "KUKA was the ideal partner for us, as quality, durability and innovation are the main focus," explains Victor Rodionov, Managing Director of Baubot GmbH. The robots of the KR IONTEC series offer a high payload (20-70 kg) and work efficiently even in difficult environments.

The KUKA robots of the KR IONTEC series offer a high payload capacity and work efficiently even in difficult environments.

Reinhard Nagler, CEO KUKA CEE GmbH, emphasizes: "Baubot shows that robots are possible and useful on construction sites. The collaboration proves the potential of automation in the construction industry." In addition, the versatility of the KUKA robots allows them to be adapted to different construction projects, from tunnel construction to production halls. The high resilience and durability of the robots will help to transform the construction industry in the long term.

Initially, KUKA also had no experience with industrial robots on construction sites. We believed in the young team and offered support. Today, Baubot proves that robotics on construction sites is absolutely possible and makes sense.

Reinhard Nagler, CEO, KUKA CEE GmbH

Thanks to Baubot's mobile robotic systems with a KUKA robot, humans can be relieved of repetitive and strenuous work on the construction site.

Technology for the construction site of the future

At the heart of Baubot's mobile robotic systems is the software developed inhouse. The Baubot Planning and Simulation Environment (PSE) enables the planning of mission positions and routes in a virtual environment. Data from BIM files, 3D CAD models or 2D drawings can be imported directly in order to simulate and optimize the work processes.

Efficient planning thanks to the Baubot software (PSE) and safe work processes on the construction site thanks to safety precautions.

The machines are also equipped with a variety of safety precautions. "As soon as a person enters the danger zone, the automatic system reduces the speed of the movements," says Simone Opocensky. Particularly in confined working environments and wherever humans are still actively involved, it must be ensured that the machine does not pose any danger. Every mobile robotic system (MRS) from Baubot is therefore equipped with sensors that form a safety zone around the entire system to detect unauthorized access to the robot work area. To ensure safety during operation, the mobile robotic system is always monitored by an operator.

Whether in tunnel, bridge, road or civil engineering as well as in production halls and many other possible fields of application, one thing is certain: only the joint cooperation of all components and the creative freedom of the developers will ensure the success of the project. "Together with KUKA, we are proud to be part of the solution on the construction sites of the future," concludes the Baubot expert enthusiastically.