Hephaestus addresses novel concepts to introduce Robotics and Autonomous Systems use in the Construction Sector where at this moment the presence of this type of products is minor or almost non-existent.
Hephaestus project focus to give novel solutions to one of the most important parts of the construction sector which is the part related to the facades and the works that need to be done when this part of a building is built or need maintenance.
Hephaestus project propose a new automatized way to install these products providing at the end a whole solution not only highly industrialized in production but also in installation and maintenance.
Hephaestus has been conceived as a solution for accomplishing multiple tasks on vertical or inclined planes of the built and outdoor environment.
Hephaestus is mainly based on a cable-driven robot. Hephaestus integrates several technologies that are already developed into a multiple job performer. Besides the cable-driven robot, there is a modular end-effector kit.
This modular end-effector kit is capable of hosting several tools. From one side, it can host task accomplishing tool, which can be different at each time where Hephaestus is applied. On the other side, it also hosts all the accessory devices that are necessary for the sensing and controlling the system. It must be pointed out the Multi-functionality of the Hephaestus.
Hephaestus solution would be capable of accomplishing several tasks within the built environment, for instance, scanning of the building structure to obtain high accurate plans of its final state and the connection with the BIM model of the building, installation of prefabricated panels, painting, cleaning a curtain wall in a high-rise, replacing damaged elements, repair of cracks, maintenance of possible solar cells etc.
Hephaestus project aims at automating the On-site Execution or Installation process for empowering and strengthening the Construction Sector in Europe and for positioning the European Robotic Industry as leader and reference in the huge and new growing market for the robotics.
