A new concept in robotics may improve the efficiency of building demolition and recycling. Swedish student designer Omer Haciomeroglu says that the robot called ERO is a smart recycling robot like Wall-E.
The ERO can “efficiently disassemble concrete structures without any waste, dust or separation and enable reclaimed building materials to be reused for new prefabricated concrete buildings”.
This is achieved using high-powered water jets to crack the concrete. The aggregate cement and water is then sucked up and separated. The water is recycled back into the system, while clean aggregate is packed and sent to concrete precast stations for reuse. The rebar can then be cleaned and cut on the spot to be reused.
A fleet of ERO robots working together would be able to scan the surroundings and plan a route of action. Once they start working, the robots can “literally erase a building”.
If you ask me, the concept art looks more like the Nu-Nu from The Teletubbies than Wall-E. Get a better look at DesignTaxi. Link -via Digg