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How does the HP SitePrint robotic layout solution work?

An overview of how the HP SitePrint construction layout robot works.

How does the HP SitePrint robotic layout solution work?
An overview of how the HP SitePrint construction layout robot works.

What is a construction layout robot solution?

Imagine a robotic printer with wheels that prints directly on to the slab the layout of a construction site. That is, in essence, a construction layout robot solution, the next generation of construction robotics.

How does the HP SitePrint robotic layout improve construction productivity?

HP SitePrint was born to address the productivity challenge that the construction industry is facing. 

 

The construction layout process is included in the critical path of most construction projects and is a job that requires a lot of manual work producing errors and reworks that derive in delays and cost overruns. Moreover, skilled layout professionals are always in short supply.

HP SitePrint brings productivity and reliability to the construction layout process of a project with a versatile, robust, and easy to use layout robot solution.

What is the HP SitePrint construction layout robot used for?

HP SitePrint can execute construction layouts for all trades, from general contractors to concrete, interiors, mechanical and plumbing or framing contractors. 

 

It is a suitable solution for any construction type, such residential buildings, hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing plants, schools, hotels, parking, offices, stores, and restaurants. 

 

Lay out all internal partitions, formwork structure, pre-cast concrete, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) installations, parking, tradeshows and much more with just one solution.

 

HP SitePrint provides the versatility required to perform construction layouts over porous (polished or rough concrete, plywood and formwork wood, tarmac) or non-porous materials (terrazzo, vinyl, epoxy). It can also layout in different colors and with different durability (from fast fading to permanent).

How does a construction layout robot work?

HP SitePrint is a robotic printer with three wheels and a tracking prism integrated. 

 

It works together with a Robotic Total Station. This is a surveying tool that measures angles and distances from the instrument to a specific point.

 

By orienting the Robotic Total Station to a set of control coordinates and measuring the distance and angle to the tracking prism integrated in HP SitePrint, it will provide precise positioning to the layout robot.

 

Then, by sending a 2D CAD file to the layout robot it will start navigating through the construction site firing ink in the right places to print the layout at full-scale.

What are the basic steps when executing a layout with a robotic solution?

  1. Prework: Extract a 2D CAD drawing from your existing design model that includes all printable elements, known obstacles in the construction site and control points.
  2. On site execution: Station the Robotic Total Station in relation to the control points. Point the Robotic Total Station to the tracking prism integrated in HP SitePrint and load the 2D CAD. Direct the layout robot from a control panel by selecting the elements that you want to print.
  3. Cloud management: Use the HP SitePrint cloud software to efficiently manage the end-to-end process of the solution (fleet management, accounting, users) and track progress of your construction layout projects (project status and progress, productivity metrics, project details). 

What are the CAD preparation requirements?

The layout drawings must be loaded into HP SitePrint in a .dxf file that can be easily generated from an existing BIM.\

 

The loaded CAD file must contain the following information: elements to be printed, known obstacles of the construction site (pillars, stair holes, perimeter), and control points required for the Robotic Total Station positioning.

What are the site preparation requirements?

The job site conditions to execute layout with HP SitePrint are similar to the conditions required for the manual process. No need for extra level of cleanliness. It can operate over damp surfaces but not on puddles or under rain.

 

HP SitePrint is equipped with cliff and obstacle avoidance sensors to avoid any unknown elements that have not been added to the obstacle layer of the CAD file. However, the printing area should be as clear as possible to increase productivity.

 

HP SitePrint construction robot can perform layout over polished our rough materials. It can operate over uneven surfaces, overcoming obstacles up to two inches tall thanks to its robust, compact, and versatile design.

How do I control the construction layout robot?

HP SitePrint is managed through a control panel. Any device with an internet browser (tablet, PC, smartphone) can be used as control panel.

 

The layout robot is a Wi-Fi Hotspot connection. Log onto the HP SitePrint Wi-Fi in the control panel and access the user interface through the browser.

 

You can customize printing execution preferences based on the job site and material of the surface to lay out. This will ensure that the ideal amount of ink for that specific surface is fired.

 

Once preferences are set, load the prepared .dxf file. A map of the CAD will be displayed. Easily select the lines to be printed and submit the job to the layout robot. It will automatically start navigating through the construction site executing the layout. Live progress of the job execution will be displayed in the UI map.

At what speed can HP SitePrint perform construction layout?

The speed of this construction layout robot depends on line density and complexity of the job to be printed. It can improve construction productivity up to ten times compared to the manual process.

Can HP SitePrint automatically avoid obstacles in the construction site?

Yes. HP SitePrint is equipped with obstacle avoidance and cliff sensors to autonomously avoid unknown elements not included in the obstacle layer of the CAD.

What elements can be printed with HP SitePrint?

HP SitePrint can print multiple elements other than lines such as text, arcs, or points. This will provide additional information to operators that will help avoid errors and reworks.

How many people are required to operate HP SitePrint?

Only one person is required to perform construction layout with the HP SitePrint construction layout robot, while two or even three workers might be involved in the manual process.

How long does the battery last?

HP SitePrint comes with two batteries. Each of them can perform constant construction layout for up to 4 hours. When both are combined, they can perform a full day of construction layout work.

On which surfaces can HP SitePrint perform construction layout?

A wide selection of ink fluids means it can be used on a wide variety of environments and on a wide variety of surfaces. This enables the layout robot to work on porous (concrete, tarmac, plywood, pavement) and non-porous surfaces (terrazzo, vinyl, epoxy).

How long is the ink durability?

There is also a wide selection of inks in terms of color and durability for different construction layout uses. From fast fading (days) to medium fading (weeks) or slow fading (months).

Can HP SitePrint print over irregular surfaces like rough concrete?

Yes. It can overcome concrete roughness or any other obstacles up to 2 cm thick. Thanks to our advanced construction layout robotics technology, the layout robot can keep printing accurately even when tilting.