HP has launched a site printing robot that marks up plans on construction sites, generating significant productivity gains.
HP SitePrint prints lines and complex objects accurately and with consistent repeatability, according to HP. It can also print text and this bring additional data from the digital model to the construction site. It is designed to be autonomous and can avoid obstacles.
HP describes SitePrint as light and compact. It comes with a touch screen tablet for remote control and configuration, and a selection of inks for different surfaces, environmental conditions, and durability requirements.
The positioning and navigation of HP SitePrint on the job site are achieved by linking to a robotic total station. HP and Leica Geosystems have collaborated to integrate HP SitePrint with the Leica TS16 and Leica iCON iCR80 robotic total stations.
Meanwhile, HP and Topcon are collaborating to integrate the robot with the Topcon Layout Navigator and GT robotic total stations.
Tested by Skanska
HP SitePrint has been tested across multiple environments, including residential, parking, airport, and hospital projects. In total, more than 80 pilot projects have been conducted worldwide.
Skanska has tested the robot on two major projects in the US. Albert Zulps, director of emerging technology at Skanska, said: “The existing manual layout process can be slow and labour-intensive. Despite being done by specialists, there is always the risk of human error, which can result in costly reworks.
“Layout experts are a scarce resource who add a lot of value in terms of planning and strategy, but often end up dedicating most of their time to manual execution. HP SitePrint lets us do more with less, helping reduce schedules thanks to a much faster layout process, and allowing senior operators to focus on other critical activities like quality control.”
Daniel Martínez, VP and general manager, HP Large Format Printing, added: “Technology adoption and increased digitisation can help construction firms realise productivity gains. With HP SitePrint, we’re making it faster and easier than ever for construction professionals to bring an idea to life on site, while also providing layout accuracy and reducing costs derived from reworks.”
HP SitePrint is available now to customers in North America via an early access programme. The final product and wider commercial launch are planned for 2023.
HP will also be running demonstrations of the robot at the Autodesk University event on 27-29 September.
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