• ABB
robots and RobotStudio®, together with Simpliforge's proprietary software are
building South Asia’s largest robotic concrete 3D printer
• Collaboration
has already created the world’s first 3D printed place of worship and India’s
first 3D printed bridge
• Robotics
and 3D printing, alongside conventional methods of construction, will help
businesses build more efficiently, safely, and sustainably
ABB Robotics and
Simpliforge Creations, an additive manufacturing solutions company, are
collaborating to strengthen and advance 3D Printing technologies for the Indian
construction sector. The collaboration will enable construction companies to
build structures faster, more sustainably and safely. The technology has the
potential to transform the construction landscape across industrial, defense,
commercial and residential sectors- especially disaster affected areas set for
rapid rehabilitation and infrastructure reinstatement.
“With the focus on
infrastructure growth and development in India, it is crucial to invest in
technologies that increase productivity and efficiency,” said Subrata Karmakar,
President - Robotics & Discrete Automation, ABB India. “3D printed
construction is already advancing the construction industry, making operations
more flexible and efficient, while reducing supply chain costs, construction
waste and carbon footprints. We are proud to collaborate with Simpliforge to
create state-of-the-art solutions for 3D construction printing.”
Investment in
infrastructure development, including national highways, government buildings
and public facilities is key to boosting India’s rapid growth and development.
While software has traditionally been involved in the planning and post-build
stages, the physical act of construction has remained a manual task. Now, ABB’s
IRB6700 robots with enhanced payload management can automate this, seamlessly
integrating into Simpliforge’s operations. This provides an end-to-end solution
for the industry alongside conventional methods of construction.
While normal robot systems
have the reach of 6.5M diameter, ABB’s Robot based system by Simpliforge – the
first in India and largest in South Asia - has a higher 3D print size to
footprint ratio which can extend to 8.5M. It is easy to operate and can also be
transported and commissioned on site. The robot is built to operate in wet and
robust construction environments, and can work seamlessly with concrete and
cementitious material, making it the best choice for 3D printed construction.
This system also ensures unprecedented accuracy, precision and reproducibility
- reducing reworking and quality control costs.
“Our long-standing
relationship with ABB India ensures we have access to robust, reliable and
localized technology that makes our operations faster and more efficient,” said
Dhruv Gandhi, CEO, Simpliforge. “Using ABB’s hardware and software, we
developed sophisticated, safer and more reliable 3D printing capabilities that
support flexible manufacturing and design freedom in construction. We deployed
proprietary software developed with ABB’s RobotStudio® to create India’s first,
and South Asia’s largest robotic concrete 3D printer to address the diverse
housing needs of the nation. We look forward to working with ABB on many more
firsts, following our 3D printed place of worship - a world first, and India’s
first 3D-printed bridge.”
This is the latest example
of ABB Robotics bringing greater levels of automation to the construction
sector, to make it more efficient, faster, safer and more sustainable. Learn
more about ABB Robotics in construction here:
https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/industries/transforming-the-future-of-construction