American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE) and American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently held a three-day workshop on robotics and 3D printing in the construction industry at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) to present potential opportunities in research and development in constructionintroducing how robotics and automation can help increase cost-effectiveness and reduce labor requirements and construction waste.
The AUS also showcased some of the best 3D printing projects of its senior students. The workshop is in line with AUSEs commitment to boost scientific and technical innovations that support Sharjahs efforts in building a knowledge-based economy.
AUSE has further encouraged this step by adopting robotics and 3D printing as construction tools. Prospects for the 3D printing in construction are huge as market studies have revealed that robotics and 3D printing for the sector can cut labour requirements by 50%, construction timeframe by 50% to 70%, and industry waste by 70%.
Finlands Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK), which is Sharjahs key partner in business development and setting up of a world-class innovation ecosystem for the emirate, presented an innovation management approach highlighting its LAB model. The presentation underscored the breakthroughs that must be achieved before 3D printing can become commercially viable for making concrete, such as the formulation of a concrete that is suitable for the regional environment that is hot and humid, digitisation of the construction process, and building of horizontal structures.
OAMK and AUSE earlier signed an agreement which paved the way for the introduction of the Finnish universitys LABs learning model in the UAE. The three-day workshop hosted participants from both the public and private construction sector.