KUKA NOX
Mobile, collaborative service robot for the construction industry
How can robots help us on the construction site? The construction robot KUKA NOX helps bringing the digital building data from the computer to the site. NOX was developed in close collaboration with KUKA. The world’s leading robotic company in the area of industrial production. With the printhead on its arm it can print positions and information from parts on the floor, walls and ceiling. That’s making the work of the construction workers a lot easier, they can work more accurate and efficient.
Design research field trip with a construction manager.
After the research phase the project opened with a range of 20 different product concepts. They stated how robots can support people on the construction site. The visualisations enabled a thorough discussion about the potential and feasibility of each concept.
Early concept sketches and ideas about the shape of the construction robot.
If the robot moves over longer distances it folds its arm to the back to be as compact as possible.
At night the robot scans its environment and documents the building process. During the day KUKA NOX charges it's battery and the workers don't interfere with the robot. The robot's markings make the work of the craftsmen easier and they achieve better results.
Mobility is a key challenge for robots to take part in the life of humans. With its tracks KUKA NOX can overcome obstacles such as stairs. The robot is small enough to fit through doors and hallways.
KUKA NOX - Mobile, collaborative Service Robot for the Construction Industry
FHNW Academy of Art and Design
University teacher: Dr. Ralf Trachte, Lutz Gebhard
Bachelor Thesis in Collaboration with KUKA Roboter GmbH
Dr. Martin Riedel, Tom Clauder
Lukas Hilfiker
September 2020