AUAR and ABB Robotics have been automating building processes with robotic mobile micro-factories. | Source: ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is once again partnering with Automated Architecture (AUAR), a construction technology company. The companies are building “ConstrucThor”, a research facility in Belgium to showcase advances in sustainable construction.
The project will harness AUAR’s micro-factory technology and is assembled using an automated construction process powered by ABB robots. Once completed, the facility will serve as a living laboratory dedicated to researching energy-neutral infrastructure and climate-neutral building materials.
“The global construction industry, responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, is working to build in more eco-friendly and sustainable ways, while overcoming skills shortages and increasing productivity,” said Craig McDonnell, managing director, business line industries, ABB Robotics. “To support this transition, robotic automation can play a substantial role, by reducing waste and addressing the environmental and workforce challenges that construction companies face today.”
The ConstrucThor project will create a climate-neutral, large-scale testing infrastructure at the OpenThor Living Lab in Thor Park, Genk, Belgium. This educational initiative brings together various research lines from Belgium’s renowned KU Leuven University and industry partners to develop strategies and solutions for advancing towards a climate-neutral building industry.
AUAR & ABB’s previous collaborations
AUAR and ABB previously collaborated on AUAR’s micro-factories, which feature ABB robotic arms. The companies recently shipped two of the micro-factories to the U.S. AUAR claimed its micro-factories can increase efficiencies, predictability, and oversight while also reducing financial risk and environmental costs when building timber homes.
For example, a robotic micro-factory can manufacture the core and shell of a single home in less than 12 hours, which can then be assembled on-site rapidly, the companies said.
Before working with AUAR, ABB said its robots have been used in modular assembly and 3D printing building projects worldwide. ABB robots have also been part of academic projects researching ways to integrate robotic automation into construction.
“We are incredibly proud and honored that our technology is being used to build this pioneering facility, which is a testament to AUAR and ABB’s shared commitment towards innovation and sustainable construction practices,” said Mollie Claypool, co-founder and CEO of AUAR. “Our automated modular construction micro-factories directly address the challenges within the industry – reducing cost, timing and carbon footprint of building houses – and this project will prove that our innovative building concept will be integral in developing future sustainable societies.”
AUAR and ABB have developed an approach to deploying robots in a global network of local micro-factories, allowing housing to be manufactured close to its final locations with minimal onsite construction required. Demonstrating the potential of this method, AUAR has already launched micro-factories in the UK, Belgium, and the US, including two in the Midwest.
Next year, they plan to expand this network to 10 micro-factories, adding seven partners across Europe and North America.