Fully Automated Shotcrete Robot for Rock Support

Optimized shotcrete application techniques are required in particular tunneling projects. Today, any spraying can be done by hand or by manipulator. With the development in the material technologies, the range of possible operation was enlarged. With automation of the application, an important contribution to improve performance and quality and to reduce rebound may be achieved. At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, systematic research is done to develop the fully automated process control, focusing on the wet shotcrete method. With the development of the fully automated shotcrete robot, the user will have a very effective tool at his or her disposal to spray concrete shells (fully automated). With the new robot, the user may choose from three different modes: manual, semiautomated, and fully automated spraying. Especially the fully automated mode facilitates higher performance with less danger to the worker's health. Quality control is inherent in the application process in regard to layer thickness, compaction, and homogeneity.