Automation in Construction in brief – 11/01/2025
Automation and Digitization
In Germany, increasing land sealing conflicts with sustainability goals, particularly in flood protection and biodiversity preservation. To address this, the permissible daily sealing area will be limited to below 30 hectares by 2030. Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have developed an AI that analyzes georeferenced aerial images to accurately distinguish sealed from unsealed areas, achieving a classification accuracy of 90%. This tool allows for regular assessments of land sealing changes.
The VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz has released a new guide aimed at enhancing resource efficiency in Germany’s construction sector, which is both vital and resource-intensive. The “Bauhauptgewerbe” process visualization tool assists companies in adopting sustainable practices, offering insights into energy-efficient building techniques, electric machinery, and water-saving technologies. This interactive resource emphasizes the integration of digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to promote recycling and sustainability across various material research applications.
Hamburg is positioning itself as a global leader in additive manufacturing, essential for Germany’s industrial future. The establishment of the Industrialized Additive Manufacturing Hub Hamburg (IAMHH e.V.) and a new Fraunhofer performance center will facilitate innovation transfer to industry and promote sustainable practices in 3D printing. Backed by significant funding, IAMHH will launch pilot projects focused on recycling plastic materials, aligning with EU sustainability goals, while fostering public-private partnerships to identify industrial needs and strengthen local value chains.
Source: https://www.iapt.fraunhofer.de/de/presse-medien/presseinformationen/pressemitteilung-iamhh.html
German SMEs are lagging behind large corporations in adopting AI technologies, with many lacking concrete plans for implementation. While half of small businesses do not use AI at all, concerns about investment returns, data privacy, and quality control hinder progress. However, some firms are beginning to see the benefits of AI through pilot projects that enhance productivity and streamline processes. Optimism grows as decision-making agility in smaller companies may lead to faster adoption of AI solutions. Embracing these technologies may be vital for their survival and competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.
Source: https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/karriere/management/warum-der-mittelstand-mit-ki-hadert/
Many German craft businesses face closure due to a lack of successors for retiring owners, warns the Central Association of German Crafts. By 2030, around 125,000 firms will be seeking new leadership, with this number rising to approximately 450,000 by 2045—nearly half of all craft enterprises. This shortage is expected to lead to longer wait times for customers needing services, which currently average nine weeks for appointments. Consequently, enhancing automation and improving process efficiency will become crucial for sustaining operations and meeting customer demand.
Source: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/vielen-handwerksbetrieben-droht-laut-zentralverband-in-den-kommenden-jahren-das-aus-100.html
In an effort to combat excessive packaging waste, the VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz has introduced a new online tool called the “Ressourcencheck für Produkt- und Umverpackungen.” This resource allows companies to analyze their packaging strategies and identify opportunities for material and energy savings. By answering six key questions, businesses receive tailored recommendations to enhance resource efficiency and circularity in their packaging solutions, aligning with current regulations and sustainability goals.
Oslo is leading the charge in sustainable construction, with municipal building sites reporting 98% fossil fuel-free operations in 2023. The city has mandated the use of electric machinery to reduce noise and toxic emissions, a pioneering move that encourages industry innovation. While challenges remain, including limited access to electric equipment and higher initial costs, Oslo’s approach signals a growing trend toward cleaner construction practices that other cities are beginning to emulate.
Construction Robotics
Rheinmetall has partnered with Croatian manufacturer DOK-ING to establish a European platform for remote-controlled unmanned vehicles. They signed a memorandum to create a joint venture focused on developing and marketing DOK-ING’s Komodo platform. Rheinmetall will contribute various capability modules, including reconnaissance and logistics systems. The collaboration aims to enhance the European defense market and develop solutions such as an armed escort system for tanks. Regulatory approval is pending.
Source: https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/technik/automation/rheinmetall-plant-bau-von-roboterfahrzeugen/
China has unveiled the Rotunbot RT-G, an innovative spherical robot designed to assist police in high-speed pursuits and challenging environments. Weighing 125 kilograms, it can reach speeds of 35 km/h on land and water while navigating difficult terrains. Equipped with GPS, cameras, and non-lethal tools such as tear gas dispensers and net shooters, the RT-G aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities. Currently deployed in Wenzhou, it demonstrates both promise and areas for improvement.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/01/06/business/2025-ces-tech-show-more-robots-and-ai-than-ever-before/
Space Construction
NASA is set to test an innovative sample collection technology called Lunar PlanetVac (LPV) during its upcoming Artemis missions. Designed by Honeybee Robotics, LPV operates like a vacuum cleaner, using compressed gas to efficiently collect lunar soil without mechanical parts. This autonomous system aims to enhance in situ testing and real-time data transmission back to Earth, potentially revolutionizing how samples are gathered for future exploration of the Moon and beyond.
NASA is collaborating with the Italian Space Agency to test the Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE), which aims to demonstrate the use of existing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals for lunar navigation. Scheduled for delivery via Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, LuGRE will track GPS and Galileo signals during its mission. Successful implementation could revolutionize lunar navigation, reducing reliance on Earth-based systems and enhancing future exploration efforts.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has successfully tested a swarm navigation network in its LUNA facility, integrating sensors, rovers, and payload boxes to facilitate communication and positioning without infrastructure. This decentralized system allows participants to share information, enabling precise location tracking in challenging environments like the Moon or Mars. The experiments aim to enhance navigation capabilities for future lunar missions and could also be applied to complex terrestrial terrains.
Source: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2024/a-swarm-of-sensors-rovers-and-astronauts-explore-the-moon