While still new in the construction industries, robots are typically designed to perform a specific task in a highly precise and efficient way, like the rebar tying robot, Tybot or the brick-laying robot Hadrian X. More recently, though, robots are being imagined as platforms for 3rd party companies to develop hardware and accessories to attach to the base robot, like the Boston Dynamics robotic dog, Spot. I recently came across a new robot, called Baubot, which hopes to one day perform tasks using every tool on a typical jobsite.
Baubot, an Austrian-based robot - not to be confused with another Austian-based robot, Terminator – developed by Printstones with the goal of learning every trade on the jobsite. Its current functional capabilities include:
3D Concrete Printing
Material Handling by gripping or suction
Welding
Drilling and Routing
Driving Fasteners
Sanding
Painting
Layout
Plasma Cutting
Formwork Milling
Bricklaying
The Baubot is equipped with all-terrain tracks, which even allow it to climb stairs. The flexible robotic arm gives the machine the ability to attach different accessories for the variety of applications listed above.
It has the capacity to haul over 100 pounds (500kg) on it’s back and sports a battery life of 8 hours on a full battery charge.
It appears that the Baubot is still in the testing stage, but those interested can reach out to the company on their website for more information. You can also watch the video below, which highlights many of the robot’s capabilities.
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.