Collaborative Robots Erected New Building Whilst Limiting Pollution

In response to the construction industry being responsible for nearly 40% of the world’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions (source: UN), Swiss researchers have erected a three-storey building near Zurich which features 3D-printed ceilings, energy-efficient walls, timber beams assembled by robots on site, and an intelligent home system. This proof-of-concept called the DFAB (Digital Fabrication) house was developed by a team at ETH Zurich University, measuring 2,370 square feet (220 square meters) and needed 60% less cement than conventional designs and passed the stringent Swiss building safety norms. Digital fabrication methods are viewed as being more environmentally friendly, as well as safeguarding the health of workers at construction sites with collaborative setups with robots.