The Interconnected Construction Site
RWTH coordinates the Internet of Construction research project, which aims to improve quality in construction and facilitate adherence to schedules.
The Internet of Construction research project explores information networks to optimize cross-company collaboration along the value chain in the construction sector.
The primary goal of the project consortium, which consists of ten companies and research institutions, is to improve schedule adherence and quality in construction by providing a seamless flow of information along the value chain. Particular focus is placed on networks of construction companies, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers, all of which contribute to turning digital blueprints into reality. The aim is to identify effective solutions to prevent information discontinuity.
"The value chains in construction are characterized by the collaboration between a large number of companies with different specialties, all of which contribute to creating a complex, highly individualized overall product," explains Professor Sigrid Brell-Cokcan, Chair of Individualized Production in Architecture at RWTH and coordinator of the research project.
In collaboration with the Chair of Production Metrology and Quality Management at the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL, headed by Professor Robert Schmitt, Brell-Cokcan’s team works with companies and institutions from the fields of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, software development, and
A comprehensive reference architecture model is to provide a basis for Industry 4.0 in construction, making it possible to meet complex challenges, prevent construction defects, and reduce the risk of project delays. The project budget is 5.8 million euros. As part of the “Innovation for Production, Services and Tomorrow’s World of Work” research program, it receives 3.2 million euros in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The project is managed by Projektträger Karlsruhe, PTKA. The project is scheduled to run for three years.
Partners in the research consortium are Annen GmbH & Co. KG, KUKA Deutschland GmbH, Lamparter GmbH & Co. KG, LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG, Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH, Robots in Architecture Research UG (RiAR), Wurst Stahlbau GmbH, the International Performance Research Institute (IPRI), and the RWTH Chairs of Individualized Production in Architecture and Production Metrology and Quality Management. Associated partners are Autodesk, Cementa, and Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband.
In future, the consortium will also collaborate with the Center Construction Robotics on RWTH Aachen Campus.