Aerial Additive Manufacturing: Robotic Construction of Cantilever Structures with Aerial Vehicles
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Aeronautics
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Mirko Kovac (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
| Description | Material research development (WP1): • Finalized the development of the first version of the extrusion mechanism, transitioning from initial designs to a functional prototype. • Implemented a ROS (Robot Operating System) software package for the extrusion mechanism driver • Tested a newly developed gimbal-based actuator for precise and compliant manipulation. Aerial platform compatible for material deposition (WP2): • Successfully assembled and built a fully functional aerial platform for vertical printing in Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM). • Initial flight tests demonstrated the system's effectiveness in creating detailed maps of indoor spaces which showed a significant improvement over the previous system. • Completed the initial design phase for the extrusion mechanism for vertical printing tests. Building the DroneHub tailored to AAM capability (WP3): We are constructing a state-of-the-art test bed facility, the DroneHub (https://nest.empa.ch/drone-hub), at Empa in Switzerland, featuring a custom-developed façade tailored to host aerial repair and manufacturing experiments. |
| Exploitation Route | Use of DroneHub facility and the developed robotic prototypes for validation with industrial and academic partners. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Construction Creative Economy Energy Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | https://nest.empa.ch/drone-hub |
| Description | One of the aims of the grant is to establish new partnerships and research collaboration with industry and the academic community. We showcased our aerial platform at various conferences and organised a workshop as proposed in the grant application, which has generated significant interest from industry and the public. Future economic impact can include the translation of the technology to industry through licensing or spin-off creation. Workshop: The Co-evolution of Digital Twins and Aerial Robotics for Sustainable Human Habitats, (Aug, 2023). Highlights of related outreach and exhibitions: • Venice Architecture Biennale, Italy (May 2023) • Swiss Robotics Day, Zurich, Switzerland (Nov. 2022) • ICRA Exhibition, London, UK (May 2023) • Swiss Robotics Day, Zurich, Switzerland (Nov. 2023) |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | DroneHub |
| Amount | SFr. 1,100,000 (CHF) |
| Organisation | Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Start | 05/2023 |
| End | 05/2026 |
| Title | The Drone Hub at NEST |
| Description | The Drone Hub at the NEST research and innovation building in Dubendirf, Switzerland, is a test environment that facilitates the integration and interaction of robots such as drones or climbing robots with infrastructure systems. Leveranging the ability of robots to act autonomously the Drone Hub serves as test-bed to perform challenging tasks and thus lowering both the risks for humans and the cost of operation. This includes inspection of facade elements, repairs of cracks or surface cleaning in areas which are dangerous for human to work. The Drone Hub is open to industry partners for their own needs. A partnership includes: The use of the Drone Hub infrastructure. Join R&D initiatives in aerial robotics, robot autonomy and infrastructure digitalisation. Echange programs and talent recruitment (sabbaticals). Access to technology foresight in aerial robotics and infrastructure robotics and applied AI. Access to the NEST network or partners from research industry and the public sector. Visibility of the logo and use of the NEST infrastructure for events and visits. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Research finding validation and testing. New scientific theory validation. Improve business operation and efficiency. Worker safety |
| URL | https://www.empa.ch/web/nest/drone-hub?inheritRedirect=true |
| Description | Aerial Robotics for Sustainability |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Cambridge branch RAeS talk Cambridge, UK Date: 01/02/2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Aerial robotics platforms and proving grounds |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | INTEROPERABILITY IN ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS PROVING GROUNDS London, UK Date: 16/02/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | An aviary for drone research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun, 23.05.2023 - They maintain and repair buildings, observe natural phenomena and transport goods: Drones and robots could play a major role in our lives in the future. With the DroneHub, a kind of aviary is to be created in the NEST research and innovation building on the Empa campus in Dübendorf, where Empa researchers will explore and further develop the interaction of drones, infrastructure and natural habitats together with industrial and academic partners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-95341.html |
| Description | Behind-the-scenes @ Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure Robotics Ecosystems |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Brahmal Vasudevan Multi Terrain Aerial Robotics Arena is hosted in the Aerial Robotics Lab and is the first of its kind in Europe. Professor Mirko Kovac, Director of Aerial Robotics Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London The Arena enables engineers to test the next generation of aerial robotics for urban environments and extreme conditions. Researchers in the Arena are able to simulate different terrains in the air, the ocean and on land. The space also enables engineers to create extreme conditions such as fire, smoke and heat to simulate how the next generation of drones will perform in harsh environments. This event was part of an exclusive programme of Member-only visits. Each event gives Members of Friends of Imperial College and their guest's unique access to facilities and research departments with our Behind-the-Scenes events in Imperial and beyond! |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.friendsofimperial.org.uk/events/behind-the-scenes-centre-of-excellence-infrastructure-ro... |
| Description | Bio-Inspired Soft Aerial Robotics (workshop) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics RoboSoft 2023 Singapore Date: 03/04/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Bio-inspired Drones for Sustainability |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar at Sabanci University Istanbul, Turkey Date: 19/06/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Bioinspired, soft and other novel design paradigms for aerial robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2024 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) Yokohoma, Japan |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Contributed talk: Physical Artificial Intelligence in Untethered Soft Aerial Robots for Safe Environmental Interaction and Perching |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2023 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting & Exhibit - Symposium SF06-From Robotic Towards Autonomous MaterialsBoston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Digital twins and robotics for a sustainable human habitat |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Building Smart Workshop London, UK Date: 12/07/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Distinguished invited talk: Physical AI for Soft Aerial Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2023 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting & Exhibit - Symposium SF06-From Robotic Towards Autonomous Materials Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | DroneHub |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Qatar Government Meeting Dubendorf, Switzerland Date: 06/03/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | DroneHub: Building-drone interface for integrated living |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | LINA Event Dubendorf, Switzerland Date: 30/03/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Enabling sustainability with bio-inspired robots |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Empa TV: Bright Minds: #1 Mirko Kovac Dübendorf, online Date: 04/07/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Heat-resistant drone could scope out and map burning buildings and wildfires |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Imperial College London and Empa researchers have built a drone that can withstand high enough temperatures to enter burning buildings. The prototype drone, called FireDrone, could be sent into burning buildings or woodland to assess hazards and provide crucial first-hand data from danger zones. The data would then be sent to first responders to help inform their emergency response. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/245718/heat-resistant-drone-could-scope-burning-buildings/ |
| Description | Imperial Robotics Forum at ICRA2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The Robotics Forum showcased their latest research at ICRA2023 through exhibitions, demos, presentations and workshops. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/246133/imperial-robotics-forum-icra2023/ |
| Description | Keynote: Bio-inspired Drones for Sustainability |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Adaptive Motions of Animals and Machines (Amam) 2023 Kobe, Japan Date: 06/06/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Keynote: Robotics Testing Grounds for Sustainability Robotics Innovation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Take-off start up summit Istanbul, Turkey Date: 05/12/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Keynote: Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Keynote at Bilisim Vadisi (Valley of information technology) Istanbul, Turkey Date: 16/06/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Laboratory of Sustainabilty Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Empa Strategie Klausur Emmetten, Switzerland Date: 13/09/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Podiumsgespräch Vernissage Technology Outlook |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | SATW Technology Outlook - Zukunftsweisende Technologien für die Schweiz Zurich, Switzerland Date: 15/09/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Soft Aerial Robotics: Metamorphic Aerial Robots for Multi-Terrain Mobility |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics RoboSoft 2023 Singapore Date: 03/04/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | AI.BAY conference 2023 Munich, Germany Date: 23/02/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Swiss Green Economy Symposium Winterthur, Switzerland Date: 07/09/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | INRIA Rennes, France Date: 16/02/2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar at MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, US Date: 27/10/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | energie bewegt winterthur - 36. Energie-Lunch Date: 02/03/2023 A group of professionals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Deep Dive Series - The Future of Robotics & AI (Liechtenstein Bankers Association) Vaduz, Liechtenstein Date: 23/05/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | AI for Good Global Summit Geneva, Switzerland Date: 04/07/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics for Digital Construction |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Building Smart Workshop London, UK Date: 12/07/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainability Robotics for Environmental Sensing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | ENAC Seminar Series Lausanne, Switzerland, online Date: 25/04/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Teamwork on the ground and in the air |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | AM Expo Luzern, Switzerland Date: 12/09/2023 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | This heat-resistent drone can find and help people trapped in burning buildings or wildfires |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Current drones used to hoist fire hoses up tall buildings and drop fire retardants are made of plastics and cannot fly near a fire. When it comes to wildfires, Europe is facing potentially one of the worst summers it has seen this year. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 119,000 hectares had already been reduced to cinders across the European Union by June 18. Researchers in Switzerland have successfully developed a heat-resistant drone that could be deployed in burning buildings and forests. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/07/06/this-heat-resistent-drone-can-be-find-and-help-people-trapp... |