SCALAR

Multi-Scalar Robotic Construction for Autonomous On-Site Assembly of Modular Timber Structures

SCALAR proposes a multi-scalar robotic construction for the autonomous on-site assembly of modular timber structures, addressing the need for breakthrough technologies in robotic construction. The project integrates a unified material-robot timber building system with a collaborative robotic platform composed of autonomous cranes, effectors and distributed mobile robots. These systems work together to assemble modular components through coordinated actions across macro, meso, and micro scales: wall and floor elements are used for the construction of new superstructures, while facade modules enable the robotic retrofitting of existing building.  

At the macro scale, retrofitted cranes (tower cranes and large-scale manipulators) manage transport and coarse positioning. At the meso scale, distributed mobile robots and effectors handle local alignment and final positioning. At the micro scale, the distributed mobile robots perform precise in-situ mechanical joining using screw connections. Prior to construction, the entire assembly process is virtually simulated, including the disassembled state, intermediate steps, and final structure, to validate sequencing, task allocation, and system behavior. All robotic components are synchronized through a shared digital control system that enables real-time coordination and safe collaboration with human supervision. The role of human operators shifts from physical assembly work to continuous supervision and control capability. A full-scale TRL4 demonstration will validate the autonomous transport, positioning, and joining of modular timber elements under representative construction conditions, focusing on the assembly of a multi-storey timber building section and a facade retrofit scenario. This will showcase a deployable and electrified solution applicable to both new constructions and building renovations.

ICD - Institute for Computational Design and Construction, University of Stuttgart

Nils Opgenorth (PCoCo), Maciej Król, Nadja Milaš, Prof. Achim Menges

ICD/CA - Institute for Computational Design and Construction, Department for Computing in Architecture, University of Stuttgart

Lior Skoury, Prof. Dr. Thomas Wortmann

ISYS - Institute for System Dynamics, University of Stuttgart

Luca Jung, Maximilian Schnell, Dr.-Ing. Reiner Rössle, Dr.-Ing. Andreas Gienger, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Sawodny 

AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology

Lukas Flatz, Markus Murschitz, Dr. Patrik Zips

Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH

Robert Bramberger, Dr.-Ing. Tobias Englert

Jekko Innovation Center

Emina Hadziric, Marco Zava

Horizon Europe - EIC Pathfinder Challenge: Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments