Traditionally, 99% of the construction-planning stage has been manual, but that's quickly changing with robotic site printing technology like that from HP SitePrint. As we'll explore, site printing is already making huge waves in the AEC industry. It's set to perfect the entire design, engineering, and building process with speed and accuracy.
Site Print Robots in Architecture
All AEC projects require an architectural proposal outlining the technical requirements and scope of work. While the design itself must be front and center, architects also frequently contend with numerous issues, ranging from budget constraints and deadlines to communication pathways and decision-making processes—and that's just the beginning.
By continually streamlining the printing process, HP has helped firms smooth these sources of friction. With SitePrint, we're set to practically eliminate them. Using automated, cloud-connected site printing technology, construction firms can achieve maximum clarity and speed while eliminating guesswork.
"SitePrint has definitely put us at[…] more of a competitive advantage."
–Greenhatch Group, an industry leader in automotive and industrial AEC applications
This is because automation and robotics are now sophisticated enough to translate even the most complex architectural designs into physical layouts while accommodating unforeseen site irregularities. Using SitePrint robotics, architects know from the start their designs will be interpreted with accuracy and precision.
The Power of SitePrint Robots in Architectural Planning
SitePrint frees architects and builders from the vast majority of delays associated with conveying instructions to the building team or updating stakeholders. For high-capacity and growing firms alike, that means minimal delays and reduced costs due to plan modifications or unforeseen on-site issues.
"The construction industry is always changing[.] Using[...] HP SitePrint has really sped up the operations of the physical layout on the ground[.] We can provide a better quality of project[...] for our clients and for the community."
–Hoar Construction, ranked one of the top 200 construction firms in America
HP's site printing robots function in tandem with a Robotic Total Station (RTS) , designed for maximum integration with all leading robotic positioning technologies. In turn, the SitePrint robot navigates the terrain while maintaining its position with pinpoint accuracy, using sensitive inertial measurement units (IMUs) to detect collisions and ensure accuracy across a wide range of surfaces.
At the head of it all is the project management team. They’re capable of monitoring progress from anywhere with network access. Guided by the RTS software's continuous calibration, the SitePrint robot faithfully renders CAD designs onto the site itself using a cohesive interplay of technical breakthroughs in the convergence of robotics, printing, and automation:
- Advanced obstacle detection and avoidance
- Instantaneous self-orientation and positioning
- Accuracy tolerance down to 3mm
- Ongoing cloud-based data exchange for print execution, remote tracking, and cost control
- Broad portfolio of permanent or removable inks for different needs—developed over the better part of a half-century of leadership in the printing industry
Advantages of Site Print Robots in Architectural Proposal Interpretation
From preliminary project proposals and design layouts to work-ready construction, AEC firms have long speculated on how to best translate even the most complex designs to physical reality.
Site printing robotics achieves this. But beyond even matters of ease and efficiency, it's the key to greater build accuracy and worksite safety. Thus, every team involved in the building process can focus on the most relevant tasks at hand with crystal clarity. For all involved, guesswork has become a thing of the past.
These advantages are already a reality due to a range of proven benefits impacting every aspect of the building layout process:
- Greater precision and speed, with tight tolerance windows for line widths, arcs and circumferences, etc.
- Autonomous design tracing
- Self-correction mechanisms, including advanced sensors and instantaneous collision-detection systems
- Up to 10x enhancements to print and site productivity
- More labor available for specialized workplace activities
- Fewer hidden costs associated with manual building layout procedures
- Streamlined coordination, both for AEC design teams and boots-on-the-ground construction teams
True to form, SitePrint achieves all of this with an incredibly compact footprint. The entire SitePrint system is incredibly easy to transport. Also, by improving space efficiency, it supports the need for tight control over site equipment and workflows.
Streamlining Execution
At the bleeding edge of AEC printing technology, HP is continually upgrading SitePrint for continual performance upgrades. With proper oversight and support, automated robotics and automation allow technicians to ratchet up the countless individual “minor gains” that lead to tremendous sum-total improvements.
SitePrint also uses lightning-fast cloud-based networking to provide firms and their partners with anywhere/anytime site management. As we're already seeing, the result is a continually blurring line between design and execution throughout the global AEC industry.
What does all this mean for architecture firms trying to remain competitive in a fast-shifting industry? Quite simply, it marks an industry-wide sea change in how firms and construction companies exchange technical building plans and essential BIM information.
Streamline and Automate Your Architectural Proposals
From large metropolitan high-rises to small-scale local projects, architectural design modifications can result in dramatic delays and unforeseen expenses. Implementing plans as accurately as possible is always job #1. With HP's game-changing SitePrint robotics, the construction industry is one step closer to the simple execution of even the most complex designs.
Don't get left behind as the AEC industries make fast tracks towards direct site printing capability. If you're seeking ongoing improvements for design and building operations, then you owe it to yourself and your stakeholders to leverage the most proven and efficient robotic printing technologies available.
SitePrint is partnering with numerous AEC leaders to make site printing ubiquitous in the building and construction industry. When you're looking for the most innovative solution that will cut time and costs, up-level your on-site labor, and accelerate operations, we invite you to bring site printing to your local building industry.
Contact us using the form located in the upper right corner, and begin making a transformative impact.
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