Construction automation got smarter with Dusty’s FieldPrinter in 2019. The autonomous mobile robot transferred plans to the site’s floors by sketching chalk outlines, eliminating most of the guesswork in a task you don’t want to guess at. The first-gen ‘bot has printed over 91 million square feet, according to the business.
The Bay Area startup released the sequel today. As with its predecessor, FieldPrinter 2 has huge, inviting eyes—personification is a shockingly successful method to introduce automation into the workplace. The smaller robot can better navigate obstacles than the first generation.
It can now “shadow print” behind columns and print closer to boundaries. The 23-pound robot has a larger print head and more sensors for navigation. Additionally, iPad control is available. 
BIM-to-field platform FieldPrint Platform launched today, providing digital information to building sites.
“Our new FieldPrint Platform supports the seamless flow of data from the design phase to the field and back to the trailer,” says cofounder and CEO Tessa Lau. Dusty, more than a robot, gives architects, designers, and field operators unmatched precision, communication, and efficiency with its complete software and hardware solution.
Construction will be a huge robotics market. It’s a $2 trillion U.S. industry. Many parts of the building process may be automated, especially with a labor shortage. Naturally, Dusty’s ingenious approach now competes with HP’s SitePrint.
