HP has launched an autonomous printing robot that it says can draw site layouts up to ten times faster than manual methods.
HP SitePrint prints lines and complex objects accurately and with consistent repeatability, according to HP. It can also print text and bring additional data from the digital model to the construction site.
HP describes SitePrint as light and compact. It comes with a touch screen tablet for remote control and configuration, and a selection of inks for different surfaces, environmental conditions, and durability requirements.
The positioning and navigation of HP SitePrint on the job site are achieved by linking to a robotic station. HP and Leica Geosystems have collaborated to integrate HP SitePrint with the Leica TS16 and Leica iCON iCR80 robotic total stations.
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Meanwhile, HP and Topcon are collaborating to integrate the robot with the Topcon Layout Navigator and GT robotic total stations.
HP SitePrint has been tested across multiple environments, including residential, parking, airport, and hospital projects. In total, more than 80 pilot projects have been conducted worldwide.
Skanska has tested the robot on two major projects in the US, including the LIRR Train Hall Renovation at New York’s Penn Station.
Albert Zulps, director of emerging technology at Skanska, said: “The existing manual layout process can be slow and labour-intensive. Despite being done by specialists, there is always the risk of human error, which can result in costly reworks.
“Layout experts are a scarce resource who add a lot of value in terms of planning and strategy, but often end up dedicating most of their time to manual execution. HP SitePrint lets us do more with less, helping reduce schedules thanks to a much faster layout process, and allowing senior operators to focus on other critical activities like quality control.”
Daniel Martínez, VP and general manager, HP Large Format Printing, added: “Technology adoption and increased digitisation can help construction firms realise productivity gains. With HP SitePrint, we’re making it faster and easier than ever for construction professionals to bring an idea to life on site, while also providing layout accuracy and reducing costs derived from reworks.”
Read next: DataForm Lab: Weaving robotics into the fabric of construction
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