The construction industry not only has to deal with the current challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The increasing shortage of skilled workers and the need to catch up when it comes to digitalization are also causing the industry problems - for example in digital planning or automated production techniques. The start-up Aeditive has developed a robot-based process with Kuka technology to change this.

"Structural deficiencies and outdated working methods are omnipresent in the construction industry," says Alois Buchstab, Vice President Advanced Robotic Applications at Kuka. Communication between architects, clients and designers is often characterized by silo thinking. In addition, the industry is threatened by a shortage of skilled workers like no other. Digitization and robotics are the keys to solving these challenges. The construction industry has some catching up to do here; the potential for automation is considerable.

The start-up Aeditive proves that robotics can already be used effectively in the construction industry today. The Hamburg-based company has developed the "Concrete Aeditor" - a type of construction container in which concrete components are additively manufactured layer by layer with the help of two Kuka robots using a spraying process. Customers are no longer reliant on expensive and time-consuming formwork; the degree of automation and sustainability of production can be increased in this way, says Alexander Türk, CEO and one of four founders of Aeditive.

The "Concrete Aeditor" is to be used in precast plants in the first stage and directly on construction sites in the second stage. "The construction industry is at the very beginning of its digitalization and automation process. Robots will play a major role in this. As a solution provider, we want to be ready at an early stage," says Alexander Türk.

Kuka attaches great importance to tapping into new sectors such as the construction industry. "Robots could be used in the production of building components in the future. Their use on construction sites is also conceivable," says Alois Buchstab. This could result in increased productivity, which in turn would benefit the constantly growing demand for living space.

Kuka has been involved in the "Internet of Construction" project at RWTH Aachen University for some time now. The project deals with digitalization, digital building models and the networking of companies along the value chain and aims, among other things, to increase adherence to deadlines and construction quality in the construction industry with the help of a continuous flow of information. pb