A group of researchers intends to take construction to a new level, using artificial intelligence technologies and 3D printing for this. If successful, building a hydroelectric dam this way would be faster and cheaper than with human labor.
Researchers at Peking Tsinghua University have unveiled plans to build a dam about 180 meters high using 3D printing techniques. It may be the largest structure created with 3D printing and artificial intelligence. Although it may depend on the definition of “3D printing”.
Builders have already learned how to save time and money by building houses with large 3D printers that can create the necessary layers of concrete. Last year, robotic additive manufacturing of wire and arc was used to 3D print a metal bridge in the Netherlands. However, the Tsinghua University proposal does not use such methods.
The researchers want to complete the currently under construction 180-meter Yangqu hydroelectric power plant on the Tibetan section of the Yellow River using a variety of AI-controlled robots, excavators, trucks, bulldozers, pavers and other machines. Combined with an automated scheduling system, the researchers call the system a single, massive 3D printer.
Learn how to develop web interfaces to suit your clients
REGISTER!
As planned by the researchers, people will not be directly involved in the construction of the dam. AI will cut the 3D model of the project into layers, and then sequentially assign the construction of each layer to unmanned vehicles. AI will automatically plan the collection of materials, movement routes and placement of objects. It can also analyze vibrations to determine the quality of construction. People will mine only bulk rocks.
In addition to the advantages in speed and cost of construction, machines have other advantages. They can better withstand hazards such as low oxygen levels, work around the clock, are not subject to human error. Although this approach has a big drawback – the potential loss of a large number of jobs that are usually used in the construction of such a large-scale facility.
The dam is scheduled for completion in 2024 and will generate almost 5 billion kWh of electricity to Henan province.
Source: techspot
