A new study led by Imperial College London and supported by the University of Bristol reveals that flying robots—also known as drones—could make construction safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.
These aerial robots are part of a growing technology called Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM), which allows drones to build structures while flying.
Traditional construction methods often require heavy machinery, scaffolding, or human workers to reach dangerous or hard-to-access locations.
Ground-based robots have limitations too, especially when dealing with uneven terrain or tall structures.
But aerial robots can fly freely, giving them the ability to build in places that were previously out of reach.
This freedom makes them ideal for tasks such as emergency repairs, construction at great heights, or projects in remote or hazardous areas.
Aerial AM works by equipping drones with tools that let them deposit building materials mid-air, similar to how a 3D printer works—only in the sky.
This approach could help solve major global challenges in housing and infrastructure by speeding up construction, reducing waste, and using less energy.
It also opens the door for more environmentally friendly building practices.
The research, published on April 23 in the journal Science Robotics, presents a new system designed to help drones carry out these construction tasks with more precision and coordination.
The system tackles important challenges, like how drones can work together without crashing, how accurately they can place materials while flying, and how the technology can scale up for larger projects.
Dr. Basaran Bahadir Kocer from the University of Bristol said that while these developments are exciting, there’s still work to be done.
Some of the current challenges include making sure materials are strong and reliable, ensuring drones can navigate outdoor environments, and improving coordination between multiple flying robots. Overcoming these obstacles will be key to making drone-based construction a common practice.
Early tests have already shown that drones can perform quick repairs and assemble modular parts, offering a glimpse of how this technology might be used in the near future. These trials are taking place at DroneHub in Switzerland, part of EMPA—the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials, Science and Technology—where researchers can test drone construction methods in real-world conditions.
As this technology advances, flying robots could become a game-changer in how we build the world around us.
