Invention:
This invention is an autonomous, robotically applied, 3D-sprayable exterior insulation and finish system for building envelope retrofits. The invention will be able to automatically sense and adjust to any given envelope shape to monitor and control the layer thickness of the exterior insulation. The sensing technology inside the robot will enable real-time alterations during the application of the insulation and finish.
Background:
In the United States, there are approximately 126 million existing buildings that consume around 74% of the electricity produced in the country and contribute significantly to carbon emissions in their operation. The Department of Energy (DOE) has found a possible solution in using envelope retrofitting to reduce energy and emissions.
Due to the variations in how buildings are built depending on the climate, materials, and dimensions, envelope retrofitting becomes a large manual process that is difficult to reduce to a one-size-fits-all approach. To solve the problem, this invention proposes a new method to apply the exterior insulation for building envelope retrofits by using an autonomous robot.
Applications:
- Application of external insulation and finish system (EIFS)
- Engineering procurement and construction applications
- Restoration and preservation of historic buildings
Advantages:
- Increase thermal performance of existing buildings
- Autonomous
- Aid in the preservation of historic buildings
- Real time alterations during the installation process
