Robotic drill impresses major construction industry players.
Overview
Cortex Business Systems approached UNSW to assist in conceptualising a robotic drill designed to replace the manually intensive and hazardous task of drilling holes on construction sites. Drilling can often take a long time and exposes workers to hazardous conditions. The aim of the project was to execute this 4 times faster than manual drilling and ensure the prototype is completely autonomous.
Approach
Over a 4-month period, Cortex Business Systems and UNSW Researcher, Associate Professor Johnson Shen from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering tried and tested a basic drill prototype. The prototype was designed to allow the user to pre-program all the drilling requirements for a particular surface area, the drill would then robotically drill the holes within millimetres of accuracy.
Outcomes
Through this industry and research partnership, Cortex Business Systems has been able to demonstrate a working robotic drilling prototype. The business has received recognition from a construction industry prime, as it is a demonstration of what our future Cities need to look like. The business is continuing its partnership with UNSW Researchers to advance the prototype and build the innovative solution into a commercially available product.