Husky A200 is a mobile robotic platform designed to be used for autonomous logistic tasks on construction sites.
Pursued by the Fraunhofer Italia Innovation Engineering Center, this project is one of the chances to advance the cause of digitalization in construction and bridge the gap between robotics and the building industry.
Researchers at this center based in Bolzano, Italy, are developing a software interface that will enable mobile robots to find their way around in construction sites.
They are tapping the technology called building information modeling (BIM) to develop software systems and interfaces that receive time-sensitive data such as information about obstacles that the robot cannot detect with its sensors. This way, the robot can be alerted to things like an open cable pit or elevator shaft on a given day at the construction site so that it can navigate around these pitfalls.
Designed for harsh environments, this mobile robotic platform is equipped with an electronic control unit and acceleration, laser and inclination sensors to help it navigate rough terrain.
The information the robot platform receives by means of BIM data can help improve its navigation capabilities and augment its sensory perception. This team aims to make the most of available digital building data on the construction site. The main benefit in this use case is that this data enables the mobile robot to transport heavy loads such as construction materials and tools in a constantly changing environment to lighten the workload of humans on the construction site.
