By the SUREFIT Team In an increasingly sustainability-conscious world, Europe is leading the charge towards...

The construction industry, representing a significant portion of GDP in most countries, has historically struggled with inefficiencies. However, advancements in digital technologies and automation are driving transformative changes - robotics in particular offers promise in improving safety, productivity, and skilled worker shortages. Despite the potential benefits, challenges such as high capital costs, safety concerns, and the need for upskilling workers remain. Nonetheless, with the right frameworks and assessments in place, intelligent construction equipment and robotics can revolutionise the industry by enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionised the construction industry by allowing the fabrication of three-dimensional objects through layer-based material connections. With methods like selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modelling (FDM), AM can utilise various materials such as metals, composites, ceramics, and polymers, facilitating the creation of complex structural components with minimal waste. Particularly in concrete 3D printing, the market is booming, expected to reach $40 billion by 2027. Yet, challenges persist, including high equipment costs, labour shortages, and environmental concerns regarding material usage and energy consumption.

By Samantha Schoenlank and Antonia Egli (Dublin City University) In our quest to explore the...