Mobile Robotic SIP Placement for Versatile Automated Building Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated building construction techniques are limited in the types, shapes, and sizes of buildings they can construct, restricting their versatility and applicability.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises a support platform vertically movable along upright supports, a bridge platform horizontally movable along the support platform, and a robotic arm movable along a track mounted on the platforms. The robotic arm retrieves and positions structural insulated panels (SIPs) to construct building portions, enabling modular and adaptable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated building construction systems (large three-dimensional printers) are used to extrude cement in layers, then building construction can be automated, but the types, shapes, and sizes of buildings that may be constructed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the building construction process into discrete modular components (pre-fabricated wall panels, floor panels, roof panels) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled by the robotic system. This segmentation enables greater versatility in building designs while maintaining automation, as different modular components can be combined in various configurations to create different building types and layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system incorporates dynamic, reconfigurable end-effectors and grippers that can adapt to handle different types, sizes, and weights of modular building components. The robotic system can dynamically adjust its positioning, speed, and manipulation methods to accommodate various building designs, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining full automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom is used to position building materials precisely, then construction versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed as a universal platform with six degrees of freedom that can handle multiple building components (walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors) and perform various operations (lifting, positioning, securing) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized machines, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high versatility in constructing different building types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intelligent control system and programmable software as intermediaries between the operator and the complex robotic arm. This mediator layer simplifies operation by providing high-level commands and automated path planning, reducing the perceived complexity for users while enabling the sophisticated six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to perform precise positioning tasks for various building components.
3Productivity
If pre-fabricated modular components are used for construction, then construction efficiency is improved, but transportation and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the transportation, positioning, and assembly functions into a single integrated robotic system. The robotic arm with six degrees of freedom not only positions components but also handles their transportation within the construction area and secures them in place. This consolidation of multiple functions into one system increases construction productivity while managing the complexity of transportation and handling through integration rather than separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed systems for automated building construction may include upright supports, a support platform coupled to and vertically movable relative to the upright supports, and a bridge platform coupled to and horizontally movable along the support platform. A track may be mounted on the bridge platform, and a robotic arm may be coupled to and movable along the track. The robotic arm may be configured to retrieve structural insulated panels and to position the structural insulated panels to construct at least a portion of a building. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.