ABB Robotics and Simpliforge Creations have partnered to advance 3D printing technologies in the Indian construction sector, with the goal of expediting construction processes across various industries. This collaboration utilizes ABB's IRB6700 robots, known for their enhanced payload management, and Simpliforge's proprietary software, enabling faster, more sustainable, and safer construction practices.
As a global leader in robotics and machine automation solutions, ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and machine automation solutions, all managed by value-creating software. With approximately 11,000 employees across over 100 locations in about 53 countries, the company focuses on helping businesses enhance resilience, flexibility, and efficiency, spanning automotive, electronics, and logistics industries.
Simpliforge Creations is an additive manufacturing solutions company specializing in Technology Development, System Integration, and Service Solutions. They provide complete solutions for Robotic 3D Printed Construction, covering Technology & Materials Development, Software and hardware, and 3D printed Construction Services across residential, commercial, defense, and space applications.
India's ongoing infrastructure development has become a central focus for stimulating rapid growth. While construction planning and post-build stages have traditionally involved software, the physical construction process has remained manual. ABB's robots, integrated with Simpliforge's operations, offer an end-to-end solution alongside conventional construction methods, presenting a transformative approach to construction in the country.
The collaboration aims to contribute to India's construction landscape, particularly in disaster-affected regions requiring rapid rehabilitation and infrastructure reinstatement. ABB's IRB6700 robots, with enhanced payload management, offer improved flexibility and efficiency, reducing supply chain costs, construction waste, and carbon footprints. These robots, known for their larger 3D print size to footprint ratio of up to 8.5 meters, are suitable for 3D printed construction projects, operating in wet and robust construction environments.
Simpliforge's CEO, Dhruv Gandhi, highlights the collaboration with ABB India as instrumental in accessing robust and localized technology, enhancing operational efficiency. The proprietary software developed with ABB's RobotStudio® has enabled the creation of India's first and South Asia's largest robotic concrete 3D printer, showcasing unprecedented accuracy, precision, and reproducibility, reducing reworking and quality control costs.
Subrata Karmakar, President of Robotics & Discrete Automation at ABB India, emphasizes the significance of investing in technologies that enhance productivity and efficiency in India's infrastructure growth. The collaboration aligns with industry advancements, introducing flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability into construction operations.
The potential impact of this collaboration extends to transforming the construction landscape across industrial, defense, commercial, and residential sectors, providing a dynamic solution for disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. As India experiences rapid growth, innovative technologies like 3D printing in construction can play a pivotal role in meeting infrastructure demands efficiently.
Following the successful deployment of India's first 3D-printed place of worship and the country's first 3D-printed bridge, ABB Robotics and Simpliforge aim to continue pioneering advancements in 3D printing technologies for construction. Leveraging ABB's hardware and software capabilities, the collaboration seeks to contribute to India's evolving construction sector, providing sophisticated, safer, and more reliable 3D printing capabilities that support flexible manufacturing and design freedom. The robotic concrete 3D printer developed through this collaboration underscores the commitment to addressing India's diverse housing needs through innovative and sustainable construction practices.
