Mesh, a Swiss robotic fabrication processes developer, has created the world's first robot-assisted technology for the production of complex reinforced concrete structures without formwork. 

 The innovative production process offers new design possibilities for the construction industry, while eliminating the need for costly and resource-intensive special formwork.

 The new robotic construction method thus makes an important contribution to greater efficiency, sustainability and design freedom in the construction industry, says a spokesman for the company.

 “Mesh technology makes it possible to produce complex or curved reinforcement cages, which were previously manufactured in laborious manual work, by means of an automated prefabrication process,” says the spokesman.

Elaborating on the process, he says: “Reinforcing bars are continuously positioned, bent and welded into a three-dimensional reinforcing grid by a robotic process. The reinforcement cages are positioned on the construction site and connected to each other. The grid structure created in this way then serves as formwork and reinforcement. Thanks to the new development of a concrete mix, the concrete can be pumped into the reinforcement grids using standard construction methods without conventional formwork and can be surface-treated afterwards.”

The technology has been nominated for the bauma Innovation Award 2022 in the Digitalisation category, which will be presented on the eve of bauma, which will be held in Munich, Germany from October 24 to 30.