The traditional methods for masonry have reached their system limits and cannot contribute to further effectiveness . Further rationalisation can only be achieved by the reduction of labour and construction times. Therefore a certain innovative leap is required by a system approach that combines the already existing construction technologies with new information and robot technologies . An integrated automation system have been developed in the European ESPRIT III ROCCO (Robot Assembly System for Computer Integrated Construction ) project. Block assembly tasks are performed by means of two robotics systems . Industrial partners and research centres from Germany , Spain and Belgium that are linked to the construction industry and robotics have formed the consortium . The most significant aspects related to the development of these robotic systems are presented in this paper.
The industrialization of the building industry has opened a new dimension by the introduction of advanced information technologies offering new possibilities for the building process. Due to the increasing market requirements and nowadays available technological potentials, traditional building production will he replaced by one-of-a-kind computer integrated construction systems. The use of modern information technology in planning, pre-production and assembly on-site can have several consequences to building. By means of simultaneous planning, production and assembly, the capacity as well as quality of construction and building can be improved. The problems of last minute changes during design and build process can be avoided by an advanced information technology and management system.
The presented robotic system is based on the idea of Computer Integrated Construction (CIC). This means the Integration of atl trades and processes from architectural planning to execution of construction work. It contains computer aided design and computer aided generation of robot programs, custom made prefabrication of small building components including logistics planning and rohoterized wall assembly on the site. Within the framework of the presented project a handling system adapted to the construction-site environment is to be developed and realized. It enables with an autonomous vehicle and suitable grippers and sensors flexible masonry assemhly and improves working conditions and safety on the construction-site. Parallel to the machine development, the information integration as well as the planning of the required logistics and construction-site organization is to he studied, developed and implemented.
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