The construction sector has a strong tradition of requiring demonstrated solutions in relevant environment, and although widespread adoption of new solutions is a gradual process, it is evolving little by little.

The DEFTNESS project aims to explore the potential of increased robotics capabilities showcasing three demonstrations of heterogeneous robots in the construction sector, which will be achieved by employing and increasing the capabilities of market ready robotic solutions to showcase the removal of technological barriers that affect their adoption by the construction industry.

The project’s primary objectives include enhancing safety, reliability, and efficiency. The three use cases involve long-term autonomous and socially safe service robots:

• Mobile manipulation: demonstrating robots capable of tasks like wall leveling through mobile manipulation.
• Building progress tracking: implementing robots for tracking and verifying building progress, known as state registration.
• Drone-based quality verification: utilising drones to inspect otherwise inaccessible building elements on construction sites.

The project’s purpose is fourfold and aims to address the traditional nature of the construction industry by introducing robotics solutions:

1. Technological advancement: The project seeks to enhance the capabilities of various types of robots, removing technological barriers that hinder the integration of robotics in construction.
2. Market adoption: By co-developing technology with partners and demonstrating practical applications, the project aims to create viable demonstrations that can foster interest in adopting robotic solutions within the construction sector.
3. Public and industry outreach: The results will be widely disseminated to reach the public, the construction industry, and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the impact is felt broadly.
4. Foundation for future collaborations: The project lays the groundwork for future collaborations among partners, potentially leading to larger funded projects such as InnovationsFond Grand Solutions or EuroStars projects.

These objectives are designed to provide short- to mid-term benefits, including the development of new products, strategic directions, and intra-collaborations within the industry. Additionally, the project sets the stage for longer-term efforts focused on specific markets, applications, and technology maturity over 2-5 years.

The project aligns with the focus areas of Odense Robotics and synergises with research activities at project partners Danish Technological Institute and Aalborg University, as well as other partner institutions within the field.

The outcome of the project will be tech demonstrations (system prototype demonstration in operational environment), OR case demonstration (technology validated in a relevant environment), which will allow project partners to gain significant insights in and experience with key enabling technologies for heterogeneous systems in construction. This will then (hopefully) create the foundation for new products, new strategic directions, and new intra-collaborations.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Science has financed this project with 500.000 DKK

The project runs from February 2023 to December 2023.