Automation in Construction in brief – 11/01/2025
Automation and Digitization
The Japan Association for Expo 2025 Osaka has unveiled a teaser site for its “Virtual Expo ~ Yumeshima Islands in the Sky ~,” offering a 3D virtual experience accessible globally via avatars. Showcased at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, the platform highlights interactive quests and global collaboration. Launching in April 2025, it aims to promote Expo themes of inclusivity and future innovation.
Source: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/future-index/virtual/virtual-site/
The Japanese Government Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature a “Factory Area” dedicated to circular manufacturing, blending Japan’s traditional practices with modern innovation. Showcased will be flexible manufacturing methods that focus on resource circulation and sustainability, inspired by both historical practices and cutting-edge technology. Doraemon, Japan’s iconic robot cat, will guide visitors through these displays, demonstrating how Japan integrates tradition with modern solutions like 3D printing and bioplastics in sustainable manufacturing.
Source: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2024/1223_002.html
Germany’s Scientific Society for Production Engineering (WGP) has published a paper outlining strategies to boost industrial resilience amid crises. The report recommends integrating flexibility and adaptability into production models, enhancing data flows, and incorporating social and ecological metrics alongside financial ones. By updating lean production methods and promoting shared data spaces, WGP aims to fortify European manufacturing and invites collaboration on advancing resilient production systems.
Source: https://wgp.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Positionspapier-Resilienz_final.pdf
A German start-up, XRify, uses advanced 3D scanning and augmented reality (AR) to optimize factory planning and reduce costly errors. By creating precise digital twins of industrial spaces, companies can simulate layouts and processes, avoiding mistakes tied to outdated 2D plans. Founded in 2024, XRify’s innovative approach has helped clients save millions by streamlining workflows and visualizing changes, advancing digital transformation in manufacturing worldwide.
Germany’s “Robotikforschung” Action Plan outlines strategies to advance AI-based robotics, aiming to integrate these technologies into various sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and security. The plan promotes collaboration across research hubs, skill development, and innovation in robotics to solidify Germany’s global leadership in the field. By focusing on intelligent and autonomous robots, the plan seeks to enhance productivity and competitiveness while fostering technological sovereignty for Europe.
Japan’s NEDO is funding research to enhance manufacturing capabilities through wireless communication and cyber-physical systems. By leveraging local 5G and cloud-based control platforms, companies like DMG Mori and FANUC are testing flexible production lines that can rapidly adjust to changing conditions. This initiative aims to improve energy efficiency, optimize operations, and bolster supply chain resilience, with a focus on decarbonization and autonomous factory processes.
Source: https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP_100191.html
Construction Robotics
Amazon has suspended its US drone delivery tests after crashes involving its Prime Air program. Two drones collided during a failed propeller test in September, and two more crashed in rainy weather at an Oregon facility in December. The setbacks challenge Amazon’s goal of delivering 500 million packages annually by decade’s end, casting further doubt on the viability of its drone ambitions.
The “KIRR Real” project in Baden-Württemberg aims to support companies with the legal challenges of deploying AI-based robots, particularly in light of the EU’s new AI and machinery regulations. By offering “Legal Quick Checks,” it helps firms navigate compliance, ensuring timely and secure AI implementations. The initiative complements existing tech-focused labs and promotes innovation while mitigating legal risks, thus fostering a smoother integration of AI and robotics in industry.
Sharp’s mobile robot, RoBoHoN, is being tested as a driving assistant for elderly drivers in Japan, aiming to improve road safety. The device offers real-time feedback during driving, along with post-drive evaluations. The initiative, supported by Sumitomo Corporation and Nagoya University, seeks to reduce accidents in an aging society. Initial trials will be conducted in Osaka in January 2025, with the goal of launching a commercial version by 2026.
Source: https://robotstart.info/2025/01/17/robohon-assist-older-drivers.html
ROSA (Robot Operating System Agent) aims to simplify human-robot interaction by enabling communication through natural language. By integrating AI-powered language models with ROS1 and ROS2, ROSA allows users to control robots without technical expertise. This modular system enhances accessibility, supporting tasks such as diagnostics and navigation. With applications in space, education, and industry, ROSA promotes efficient, user-friendly robotics, and emphasizes ethical AI integration, including safety and accountability measures.
Source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.06472v1
At CES 2025, humanoid robots gained visibility, with Agility’s Digit and Apptronik’s Apollo standing out. The latter, a factory-focused robot, featured a welcoming design with large eyes and a bright aesthetic, contrasting with the often sterile competition. Despite being in its demo phase, Apollo performed smoothly and marked a notable shift in humanoid design. Factory pilots with companies like Mercedes follow Apptronik’s industry collaborations, signaling a growing presence of humanoids in real-world settings.
urce: https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/09/apptroniks-apollo-humanoid-robot-gets-to-work-at-ces-2025/
Space Construction
SpaceX’s seventh test flight of its Starship rocket ended prematurely after 8.5 minutes, as engineers lost contact and the rocket was destroyed. However, the lower booster stage successfully landed on the launch pad, marking a key achievement in the program’s goal for reusability. The flight aimed to deploy ten dummy satellites and test an improved heat shield and propulsion system. Meanwhile, SpaceX faces pressure to meet NASA’s 2027 lunar mission timeline. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/starship-musk-bezos-spacex-li.3184647
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is advancing preparations for Artemis II and future lunar missions. Key efforts include the construction of Mobile Launcher 2 for the SLS Block 1B rocket, essential for Artemis IV. Teams are conducting critical testing on umbilical connections for the new upper stage. The project is progressing ahead of schedule, with key components like the mobile launcher’s 400-foot tower being assembled, positioning NASA for upcoming crewed missions to the Moon.
An international team led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has developed and tested a system to extract water from lunar regolith, simulating Moon conditions. The LUWEX project successfully produced over 3 liters of water from synthetic lunar dust in laboratory experiments. This breakthrough could provide drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel for future Moon missions, advancing the potential for long-term lunar exploration. The system’s efficiency in extracting water with minimal energy use is a crucial development for future space missions.
Source: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2024/water-from-moon-rock-for-future-astronaut-missions