The Digital Design & Digital Construction Laboratory (DD&DC Lab) allows for coherent research and teaching along the entire digital process chain starting with digital data acquisition, over to processing and manufacturing (creating a direct connection to the robot laboratory).

The DD&DC Lab is mobile and can be used at all BOKU locations as well as at the partner universities in Vienna and Linz.

Equipment

Baubot – Mobile Robotics Platform for Construction and Research

Baubot is a mobile, autonomous robotic platform designed for on-site construction tasks and experimental research in the built environment. Developed with modularity and versatility in mind, Baubot combines a tracked drive system, robotic arm, and the possibility to use different end effectors depending on the application – from drilling concrete walls and ceilings to gripping, manipulating to scanning.

Baubot serves as a research and teaching platform for exploring digital construction workflows.

Leica Absolute Scanner AS1 – 3D Data Acquisition for Research and Education

The Leica Absolute Scanner AS1 is a high-resolution laser scanner designed for precise, non-contact 3D acquisition of objects, components, and surfaces. In combination with the Leica AT960 laser tracker, it enables measurements with an accuracy of up to ±50 µm, making it particularly well-suited for the analysis of complex geometries.

With its narrow scan line and the ability to capture up to 1.2 million points per second, the AS1 provides high-quality 3D data for a wide range of scientific applications, including:

  • Acquisition and analysis of components in robotic research projects
  • Geometric measurement and as-built vs. as-designed comparisons
  • Long-term investigations of mechanical stress tests, such as bending or material fatigue experiments
  • Documentation and digital archiving of physical objects
  • Preparation of experimental robotic toolpaths based on real-world geometries

At our university, the AS1 is used in interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of robotics, civil engineering, architecture, and fabrication technologies, supporting both students and researchers in developing data-driven and practice-oriented approaches.

Leica AT960 – Precision for Robotics and 3D Measurement

The Leica AT960 is a high-precision, compact 6DoF laser tracker designed for both mobile and stationary applications. With a range of up to 80 meters and measurement accuracy in the range of ±10–60 µm (depending on the measurement mode and accessories), it delivers reliable real-time data for demanding industrial and research environments.

In our robotics lab, the AT960 is used for workpiece localization, component measurement, and in combination with the AS1 laser scanner for high-resolution 3D geometry capture. The built-in PowerLock technology ensures continuous tracking of both passive and active targets – even while in motion – without the need for manual re-alignment.

This enables precise synchronization between physical components and digital control processes, making the AT960 a key technology for modern automation and robot-assisted manufacturing.

Leica RCT360 terrestrial laser scanner

The Leica RCT360 terrestrial laser scanner is a state-of-the-art surveying instrument specially developed for use in engineering geodesy. With its advanced features and precise technology, it enables us to perform accurate three-dimensional measurements of architecture, infrastructure and terrain surfaces.
The scanner delivers point clouds with high accuracy in the millimetre range and, with up to 1 million points per second, high efficiency in data acquisition. Its high scanning speed and range of up to 130 metres make it ideal for surveying large objects and complex environments. The captured data enables detailed visualisation and analysis of the scanned information.