Embracing Robotics in Offsite Construction
Published Jul 30, 2024. Updated Mar 10. Author: Audree Grubesic.
Key companies and people
- Yudhisthir Gauli is the founder of ARRTSM Inc, Framebotix Inc, and Advanced Autonomics LLC.
- ARRTSM began in 2015 as ARRTSM Engineering near Stuttgart, Germany.
- Framebotix Inc. focuses on offsite manufacturing.
- Advanced Autonomics LLC works on autonomous robotics for different sectors.
What the companies do
- They design robotic systems and software for autonomous operation.
- They build, operate, and finance factories tailored to customer needs.
- The factories produce panelization products, modular homes, and traditional homes.
- They manufacture building components from wood and cold-formed steel.
Business model
- The factory belongs to Framebotix Inc.
- Customers pay the manufacturing cost.
- Pricing is based on square foot or linear foot production.
- Higher annual home production lowers cost.
Automation and AI
- The company created software to make robots autonomous with AI.
- The robots adapt to customer data instead of requiring reprogramming for every task.
- AI was used to reduce human errors and part damage in the factory.
- The company says its systems improved quality and efficiency.
Factory planning and services
- The company can plan a factory from scratch or retrofit an existing factory.
- It gathers customer data, analyzes output requirements, and designs the factory layout.
- It integrates the needed number of robots and skilled manpower.
- It offers a 24-hour service guarantee.
Reported results
- Yudhisthir Gauli said productivity increases were often over 60%.
- Return on investment was described as exceptionally high.
- A customer in Germany expanded use of the systems after strong results in the first year.
Digital tools
- Digital twin technology helps customers simulate future factories before production.
- The “Lucy” app helps customers visualize final products before manufacturing.
- The app was first developed for carpenters and stone workers to preview kitchens.
Industry context
- Offsite construction shifts production into controlled environments.
- The article says this can improve quality, speed, and repeatability.
- It also says offsite methods can reduce weather risk and stabilize labor needs.
- The piece notes growing interest in open factories and advanced manufacturing.
Locations and growth
- ARRTSM is thriving across the United States, especially on the East Coast.
- The article mentions growth potential in Atlanta, Florida, the West Coast, and the Midwest.
Security
- The company says it has implemented security measures for its operations.
- It says cybersecurity concerns are less central in home parts manufacturing than in some other industries.
Referenced links
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yudhisthir/
- ARRTSM: https://arrtsm.com/
- Framebotix: www.framebotix.com