Construction 4.0: Bauer Maschinen GmbH is part of an innovative research project

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In a project with more than 20 partners, engineers at TU Dresden are developing new machine and communication technologies for a fully networked construction site. Within the next three years, these applications will be tested on the first real-life 5G test site. One partner of this innovative research project, and the only one in the fields of specialist foundation engineering, is Bauer Maschinen GmbH.

Actively shaping digitalization
The focus of the project, which was officially launched on August 1, 2019, is the further development of construction machinery so that work tasks can be automated or partially automated. The joint project, which also involves associations such as the Deutsche Bauindustrie (German Construction Industry), VDBUM and VDMA, is being supported by a EUR 4.8 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The project volume will be around EUR 9 million, of which Bauer Maschinen GmbH will cover EUR 620,000.

Dr. Matthias Semel is coordinating and monitoring the project for Bauer Maschinen GmbH. Andreas Schober is responsible for technical implementation as subproject manager. Both work in the research and development department at Bauer Maschinen GmbH. “Digitalization is a pressing issue in the construction industry,” says Matthias Semel. “When it comes to the new opportunities that 5G will offer in the future, we want to be part of development from the very start and actively play a role in shaping it.”

A focus on Kelly drilling
As part of the research project, but also beyond it, Bauer will specifically be focused on the development of a drilling rig that recognizes its environment and communicates data securely via interfaces. This requires the development of multiple systems as well as their implementation on a demonstrator: An environment recognition system that can recognize both process interfaces and also possible dangers, a finite-state machine that is able to automatically capture its current process data, an equipment database, an equipment management system that automatically recognizes and manages tools and attachments, and an assistance system for partially automated Kelly drilling.

“We are concentrating initially on the Kelly drilling process, as this is the most common method used with our rigs worldwide,” explains Matthias Semel. “The goal is for the semi-automated systems to support and assist the operator as much as possible. This ultimately has a direct effect on productivity at the construction site as well as precision and safety.”

Assistance systems for more safety and efficiency
Bauer already offers a range of assistance systems to support equipment operators – from automatic mast alignment to one-directional and bi-directional spoil discharge assistants to an adaptive Kelly speed assistant. These systems ensure more safety, comfort and efficiency on construction sites and pave the way for autonomous drilling in an increasingly complex work environment.