Automated/ robotic/ additive manufacturing are among technologies that opens up new possibilities in steel construction, including lightweight structures with non-prismatic sections, complex connections, internal stiffening, functionally graded elements, lattice structures, repair and strengthening of existing structures, variable microstructure and material properties. Geometrical freedom of additive manufacturing not only allows us to enhance material utilization with optimization strategies, but also enables us to design and incorporate innovative functionalities in the construction.
Automated/ robotic/ additive manufacturing brings several advantages to the construction process such as increased quality, reduced risk, faster work cycle. Robot/ additive construction, which is one of the critical pillars of Industry 4.0 and the next construction revolution, plays an essential role in meeting some of the most essential requirements of the fourth industrial revolution.
There is still a need for research on theoretical development and practical application of computational and simulation tools for robotic/ additive manufacturing. Research is currently conducted in the Institute for Steel Construction on various topics such as design methodology, parametric design optimization, characterization of mechanical and geometrical properties of 3D-printed components, verification and standardization, sustainability assessment and cost analysis.
