ABB Robotics wins prize for work in automated construction

ABB Robotics, in collaboration with Automated Architecture (AUAR), has been honoured with the ‘Best Use of Robotics or Automation in Construction’ award at the 2023 Robotics & Automation Awards. This accolade recognises ABB’s robots, which AUAR employs to revolutionise home design and construction.

AUAR, a pioneering start-up, is transforming building construction to be more robot-friendly, community-centric, and responsive to user needs. Utilising ABB robots, AUAR fabricates standardised components at community micro-factories near construction sites, which are then assembled into complete structures. This approach significantly reduces CO2 emissions and material usage compared to traditional construction methods.

AUAR was founded by two architects and associate professors at UCL, Mollie Claypool (CEO) and Gilles Retsin (CTO), who had been working for over 10 years on robotics, automation, construction and architecture. They have relied extensively on support from ABB to realise their vision, according to Retsin.

“ABB understands that the construction market is the next place to go for robotic automation and we got incredible support from the very first email. ABB gave us a lot of engineering support to help us figure out our first robot cell, even giving us our own space at its Milton Keynes centre to play around and experiment,” he says. 

This concept of prefabricated buildings is gaining traction in the construction industry, offering a sustainable, faster, and cost-effective building solution. Automation addresses the current challenges of skill and labour shortages, while AUAR’s strategy of establishing microfactories with local contractors and suppliers further streamlines the construction process.

“We are thrilled that our work with AUAR has been recognised with this award,” says Julian Ware, ABB Robotics UK & Ireland Sales Manager. “Their approach clearly shows how automated construction can transform the future of housing whilst helping the sector to tackle issues such as cost, labour shortages, flexibility and time to build. We are proud that ABB technology has played such a big role in helping AUAR to realise its vision.”

The Robotics & Automation Awards, organised by Akabo Media, showcase innovative achievements in robotic and automated systems by British and international entities across various sectors.

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