Video Transcript
Swiss public research universityETH Zurichdeployed an autonomous excavator with the hope of advancing dry stone wall construction. The machine, dubbed Hydraulic Excavator for an Autonomous Purpose (HEAP), was able tobuilda dry stone wall that measured six meters high and 65 meters long.
The wall retains terraces in a publicly accessibleparkthat highlights a circular economy education theme.
HEAP is a customized Menzi Muck M545 that weighs 12 metric tons and features lidar, cameras, satellite navigation, joint angle sensors, and inertial measurements. It initially uses sensors to autonomously create a 3D map of a construction site and identifies the location of pre-existing stones and blocks for the wall. The excavator then uses machine vision and tools to scan and secure stones in its environment.
When it is ready to start building, HEAP uses an algorithm that measures the stone’s weight and center of gravity to determine the optimal placement position. The researchers claim that HEAP can position 20 to 30 stones in one consignment, which is about as much as one delivery can provide.
The research team, consisting of the Robotics Systems Lab, Gramazio Kohler Research, the Chair of Landscape Architecture, and Vision for Robotics Lab, developed the design application as part of the National Centre of Competence in Research for Digital Fabrication.
The teamexplainedthat automated building processes can streamline building in remote areas while providing a low-carbon alternative to conventional construction methods.
