COBOD International, in partnership with Technische Universität Braunschweig, has launched the first commercially available multifunctional construction robot, expanding the scope of 3D printing in construction.

Unveiled during the grand opening of the Digital Construction Site at TU Braunschweig, the system merges COBOD’s BOD2 3D construction printer with a telescopic vertical extension and robotic arm designed for the Shotcrete 3D Printing Process (SC3DP).

Shotcrete, a concrete-spraying technique typically used in complex structures such as tunnels, retaining walls, and swimming pools, forms the basis of the SC3DP system.

However, the telescopic unit’s versatility allows it to host multiple tool types beyond shotcrete, including sanding equipment, paint spray guns, and insulation tools, transforming the 3D printer into a multifunctional robotic platform.

A 3D printing aid

The system offers a dynamic vertical reach of 3 metres, enabling the robotic arm to operate on printed structures situated up to 3 metres below the X-axis.

This functionality allows users to print, reinforce, and finish complex, double-curved concrete walls with precision and geometric freedom. Reinforcement can either be embedded after concrete placement or applied by spraying around prefabricated reinforcement meshes.

The launch was attended by Helga Kühnhenrich, Head of Research and Innovation in the Construction Industry at Germany’s Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), who highlighted the growing industry focus on automation to cut costs and reduce labour dependence.

According to COBOD, the robotic system can even be equipped with a gripper to automatically install prefabricated elements such as aerated concrete blocks or bricks, features traditionally outside the scope of standard 3D printing setups.

With this, the company aims to redefine what construction robotics can achieve, merging digital precision with functional adaptability.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, general manager and founder of COBOD International, said, “For years we have had the vision of making multifunctional construction robots on the basis of our 3D construction printers. Seeing the first materialisation of our vision here makes me very proud. With this new technology we offer automation of many more construction processes than just printing of concrete walls. With our new COBOD robotic arm at the end of the telescopic arm there is an endless amount of construction tasks that our printing system can now automate and expedite to the benefit of our global customers.”

Professor Harald Kloft for Structural Design at ITE explained, “Our partnership with COBOD is a decisive step towards the digital construction site of the future. 3D printing enables automated, digitally controlled processes of simple as well as very complex tasks, like the fabrication of reinforced double curved walls. The ability to make complex, individualised, material efficient and low waste construction solutions makes 3D printing ideal for the construction industry, as it brings together economic, environmental and social aspects, such as the reduction of physical stress.”

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A high-level roundtable held at the Swedish Embassy during London Climate Action Week has spotlighted the outsized role diesel compact construction machines play in worsening urban air quality, and the urgent need for policy and industry to drive the shift to electric alternatives.

The event brought together city officials, construction leaders and researchers to tackle the overlooked issue of diesel compact machinery, which remains largely exempt from regulations such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) despite emitting significant levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Representatives from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), the City of London, and campaign groups joined the call for a rapid transition to zero-emission equipment.

In London alone, approximately 5,000 diesel compact excavators currently in use generate as much NOx and PM as more than 100,000 diesel cars. Yet, because they are not required to meet the same particulate filtration standards as passenger vehicles or larger machines, their impact often goes unaddressed.

With construction now the dominant source of black carbon emissions in London, overtaking cars, the urgency is clear. Globally, only 17% of cities meet WHO air quality guidelines, and air pollution contributed to 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021 alone.

Low-emission equipment

The roundtable also showcased findings from a 12-week trial by Volvo CE, Transport for London (TfL), and FM Conway, which replaced diesel equipment with three electric construction machines. The result: nearly 8kg of harmful NOx and hydrocarbon emissions were avoided, which is the equivalent of a diesel car travelling more than 39,000 miles.

Advocates say electric alternatives offer a win-win: quieter operation, lower vibration, zero tailpipe emissions, and less energy waste, making them ideal for densely populated urban areas. But challenges remain: lack of charging infrastructure, green energy access, regulatory gaps and high upfront costs.

As cities look to scale climate and public health efforts, roundtable participants called for collaborative action to overcome these barriers. Embedding sustainability criteria into public tenders, expanding low emission zones to include all construction machinery, and increasing awareness of compact diesel machines’ impact were highlighted as immediate priorities.

The event closed with a strong message: cleaning up construction emissions is not only technically viable but essential to creating healthier cities. With bold leadership, coordinated policy, and cross-industry collaboration, electric construction machines could play a pivotal role in transforming the urban environment.

Thomas Bitter, Head of the Compact Business Unit at Volvo CE, said, “Cities like London are making great progress to improve air quality. But ignoring construction equipment in low emission policies misses a key health opportunity. Zero-emission solutions exist, but adoption is too slow. We need full value chain collaboration to break down barriers to change and speed up the shift to emission-free construction that is so essential for urban health.”

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Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed a landmark series of piloted wingborne flights in Dubai, marking its first operational demonstrations in the region and a major milestone in its global commercialisation plans.

The successful tests signal the start of Joby’s market readiness efforts in the UAE ahead of planned commercial passenger service by 2026.

The achievement forms a key part of Joby’s broader commercial strategy, which includes direct operations, aircraft sales, and regional partnerships. These Dubai test flights also represent a first in the eVTOL sector, with Joby leading efforts to bring advanced air mobility to one of the world’s most forward-thinking urban centres.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), attended the inaugural flights, underlining the strategic alignment between Joby and the RTA's long-term vision for sustainable, next-generation transport solutions. The milestone follows the 2024 agreement with the RTA, which granted Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.

Approval from UAE authorities

In close coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Joby is now accelerating the integration of its service model into the emirate’s urban fabric. Initial flight routes are expected to link Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, would take just 12 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to the current 45-minute car ride.

Joby’s aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (around 320 km/h), all while operating with zero emissions and ultra-low noise. Designed for urban mobility, it offers a quieter, cleaner, and faster alternative for short-haul trips and cross-city commutes.

These flights also build on nearly two years of hot-weather testing at Edwards Air Force Base in the US and demonstrate Joby’s expanding operational readiness and logistical capabilities. With over 15 years of engineering development, more than 40,000 miles of test flights, and validated multi-aircraft operations, Joby is fast approaching its goal of making efficient, quiet, and sustainable air travel a reality.

“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said, “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.

“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”

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