New robot tech for concrete structures without formwork

Peri SE and Sika AG are to take a stake in a Swiss startup which has developed what is said to be the world’s first robot-assisted technology for the cost-effective production of complex reinforced concrete structures without formwork.

Mesh AG has developed ‘MESH Technology’ which, according to the company, makes it possible to produce complex or curved reinforcement cages, previously manufactured by laborious manual work, through an automated prefabrication process.

A 3D steel-mesh structure created this way serves as both formwork and reinforcement and is filled by a specific concrete mix without using conventional formwork.

MESH Technology can be used for customised concrete structures, for the production of complex forms for the building industry. The technology can also be used to structurally optimise conventional concrete structures. 

“Mesh technology is still a young technology that we have been driving forward together in recent years,” said Thomas Imbacher, Managing Director of PERI SE.

“We believe in the potential in various fields of concrete construction and are looking forward to developing this construction method together in the long term.”

The technology was developed through ten years of intensive research at ETH Zurich. In 2018, a technological breakthrough came with the robot-assisted production of a curved concrete wall at Zurich’s DFAB HOUSE.

Philippe Jost, Head Construction, Sika, added that, “Increasing digitalisation and automation is getting more important in the construction industry. Innovative technologies enable productivity increases in construction and open up new, individual design possibilities for architects.”