ABB Robotics, Simpliforge Creations enhance 3D printing in Indian construction

By OEM Update Editorial January 25, 2024 11:48 am IST

ABB robots and RobotStudio®, together with Simpliforge’s proprietary software are building South Asia’s largest robotic concrete 3D printer. This collaboration has already created the world’s first 3D-printed place of worship and India’s first 3D-printed bridge.

ABB Robotics and Simpliforge Creations, an additive manufacturing solutions company, are collaborating to strengthen and advance 3D Printing technologies for the Indian construction sector. The collaboration will enable construction companies to build structures faster, more sustainably and safely. The technology has the potential to transform the construction landscape across industrial, defense, commercial and residential sectors- especially disaster affected areas set for rapid rehabilitation and infrastructure reinstatement.

“With the focus on infrastructure growth and development in India, it is crucial to invest in technologies that increase productivity and efficiency,” said Subrata Karmakar, President – Robotics & Discrete Automation, ABB India. “3D printed construction is already advancing the construction industry, making operations more flexible and efficient, while reducing supply chain costs, construction waste and carbon footprints. We are proud to collaborate with Simpliforge to create state-of-the-art solutions for 3D construction printing.”

Investment in infrastructure development, including national highways, government buildings and public facilities is key to boosting India’s rapid growth and development. While software has traditionally been involved in the planning and post-build stages, the physical act of construction has remained a manual task. Now, ABB’s IRB6700 robots with enhanced payload management can automate this, seamlessly integrating into Simpliforge’s operations. This provides an end-to-end solution for the industry alongside conventional methods of construction.

While normal robot systems have the reach of 6.5M diameter, ABB’s Robot based system by Simpliforge – the first in India and largest in South Asia – has a higher 3D print size to footprint ratio which can extend to 8.5M. It is easy to operate and can also be transported and commissioned on site. The robot is built to operate in wet and robust construction environments, and can work seamlessly with concrete and cementitious material, making it the best choice for 3D printed construction. This system also ensures unprecedented accuracy, precision and reproducibility – reducing reworking and quality control costs.

“Our long-standing relationship with ABB India ensures we have access to robust, reliable and localized technology that makes our operations faster and more efficient,” said Dhruv Gandhi, CEO, Simpliforge. “Using ABB’s hardware and software, we developed sophisticated, safer and more reliable 3D printing capabilities that support flexible manufacturing and design freedom in construction. We deployed proprietary software developed with ABB’s RobotStudio® to create India’s first, and South Asia’s largest robotic concrete 3D printer to address the diverse housing needs of the nation. We look forward to working with ABB on many more firsts, following our 3D printed place of worship – a world first, and India’s first 3D-printed bridge.”