RobetArme will deliver a human-robot collaborative construction system for the automation of shotcrete (i.e. concrete spray casting), which is an emerging technology in construction domain. A multitasking Inspection-Reconnaissance mobile manipulator-IRR (ROB) will fuse the latest Geotechnical models (BIM/CIM) (DTT), high-density visual data and semantic SLAM (CERTH) representations to automate modelling and fast reconstruction (DTU) of the surface to be shotcreted. IRR will facilitate rebar reinforcement through metal additive manufacturing (ANIMA) capitalizing on its precise repair skills (EPFL). The Shotcrete and Finishing mobile manipulator ?SFR (COBOD) will apply dexterous concrete placement through closed-loop visual guidance methods, suitable for turbid conditions (KUL). Concrete mix-design and study on innovative reinforced cementitious materials (TITAN) will contribute to the reduction of materials? and water waste during shotcrete. The SFR robot equipped with universal tool changing (ROB) will also automate the surface finishing step through delicate and human-like robot manipulations, enabled from a safety operation toolkit that includes physical human-robot collaboration and human-aware navigation (CERTH). A Digital Twin (DTT) coupled with simulation tools (SDU), advanced decision making (ICE) and task planning (CERTH) skills will facilitate fast and greener shotcrete automation. RobetArme will be evaluated (DS4) on four diverse construction sites, i.e. tunnels/culverts (BYCN), bridges posttensioned boxes (ARUP), beams & piles of buildings (CEAS) and ground support walls (BYCN), assessing its autonomous shotcreting abilities. RobetArme will substantially increase the repair/maintenance automation, will foster adoption of robots in Construction 4.0 era (EFF), while it will increase construction productivity providing flexibility to the maintenance personnel, contribution to standards (UNI) and better quality to their workplaces (MORE).

Demographic trends in Europe are posing a challenge to the construction sector, which is facing labour shortage, and an aging existing workforce. This can be addressed through the integrated adoption of breakthrough technologies, e.g. autonomous vehicles, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, smart wearables, digital twin, and artificial intelligence, which can help to get construction tasks done with more efficacy, while at the same time making the sector more attractive to young people, and improving the safety, productivity, quality and environmental impact of construction projects. BEEYONDERS will take a leap forward in the design, development, and integration of these breakthrough technologies in real construction scenarios, bringing together the capabilities of European stakeholders, thus also demonstrating how the dependency on technology import from outside Europe can be reduced. Solutions will be developed for supporting the integration of autonomous and tele-operated, ground and aerial robotic platforms and heavy equipment in harsh environments. Innovative additive manufacturing solutions will be developed for resource optimization and for protection of biodiversity in maritime works. Safety, wellbeing, and training of workers will be improved through the development of exoskeletons, advanced wearables, and learning resources supported by XR technologies. A Digital Twin enriched with AI-based layers for decision-making will support seamless integration and management of all Project technologies. These will be tested and validated in 6 demonstration case studies covering different project typologies: tunnels, earthworks for road construction, buildings, maritime infrastructures, and road maintenance. BEEYONDERS impact will be evaluated both from the point of view of users? acceptance (e.g. benefits for aging workforce, attraction of young workers, contribution to gender balance in construction) and environment(e.g.LCA&LCC applied to all project).