Bouygues UK has been recognised for its groundbreaking use of the HP SitePrint Robot at the Oriel construction site, winning the prestigious ‘Best Innovation’ award at the Franco-British Business Awards 2024.
Revolutionising On-Site Precision
At the heart of this achievement is the HP SitePrint Robot, an advanced automation tool developed in partnership with HP Construction Services and Hexagon’s Leica Geosystems. The robot transforms traditional layout processes by printing essential fitout information directly onto the concrete slab with an accuracy of 3mm. This includes partition lines, room numbers, wall codes, and door openings—crucial details that improve coordination and reduce errors.
The introduction of the HP SitePrint Robot at the Oriel construction site has delivered tangible benefits:
- Better Health & Safety: By automating a traditionally manual process, the robot reduces physical strain on workers.
- Enhanced Accuracy: The robot ensures precise layouts, minimising errors and rework.
- Improved Efficiency: It can print up to 24,943 linear metres with an average speed of 150 sqm/hour.
- Error Reduction: Early detection of design conflicts prevents costly modifications.
A Strategic Partnership for Innovation
Bouygues UK’s collaboration with HP and Hexagon was driven by a shared vision of integrating technology into construction to improve quality and efficiency. The Oriel project, a state-of-the-art eye care, research, and education centre in Camden, provided an ideal setting for this pilot due to its complexity and the need for precise coordination in setting out internal partitions, doors, and windows.
The deployment process involved several key stages:
- Subcontractor Onboarding: Training sessions ensured subcontractors could integrate the technology seamlessly into their workflows.
- Drawing Preparation: Detailed CAD files were created with grid lines, door codes, wall types, and MEP points, optimised using Revit and AutoCAD plugins.
- Site Setup: The team cleared and calibrated the site, setting control points and aligning the robot with the Leica total station.
This structured approach ensured the successful implementation of the technology while maintaining high levels of accuracy and efficiency.
Transforming Construction Practices
The HP SitePrint Robot has fundamentally changed how site teams, subcontractors, and clients interact with project layouts. The ability to visualise room layouts directly on-site has improved coordination between design and production teams, reducing installation time and material waste.
- Subcontractors, such as GEN and Titan (drylining specialists) and Rockcastle (Steel Frame System experts), have benefited from faster, more accurate layouts, improving productivity.
- The design team has been able to identify clashes earlier, leading to fewer disruptions.
- The client gains confidence from seeing clearly marked layouts, bringing designs to life on-site.
A Future of Smart Construction
The success of the Oriel trial has paved the way for broader adoption of the HP SitePrint Robot across Bouygues UK projects, with ADC West Middlesex Hospital set to be the next deployment site. Future developments will expand the robot’s capabilities, including printing electrical socket positions and large MEP equipment layouts.
Through this partnership, Bouygues UK is driving innovation in construction, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, precision, and sustainability. The recognition at the Franco-British Business Awards 2024 underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in the built environment.
Healthcare
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