Using Robotics to Close the Loop between BIM and the Field
Tessa Lau and Joel Jacobson share their work creating a robotic field printer that sources directly from BIM models
We’ve automated construction in various ways—in the form of robots that lay bricks, for example. And we’ve started to digitize construction, too, in the form of robots that can autonomously laser scan your construction site and compare your BIM model with what’s happening there. Dusty Robotics is going a step further. Working in partnership with Mortenson Construction, they’ve developed a robotic field printer that autonomously prints wall layouts on concrete slabs from BIM models, accurate to within one-sixteenth of an inch. Tessa Lau of Dusty Robotics and Joel Jacobson of Mortenson Construction share the work.
About the speakers
Dr. Tessa Lau is CEO of Dusty Robotics and a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in AI, machine learning, and robotics. She was formerly CTO and co-founder at Savioke, where she developed and deployed delivery robots in hotels and high rises. Dr. Lau holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Washington.
Joel Jacobson is a senior VDC manager at Mortenson Construction. He has extensive experience with BIM implementation, modeling, and coordination, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is currently working on Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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