During the first reporting period, the DISCOVER project has focused on the development of robotic systems, sensing technologies, artificial intelligence methods, digital data frameworks, and analytical approaches for demolition and reuse.
Below we describe the activities undertaken in the given period and illustrate the main achievements:
A mobile manipulator robot designed to operate in construction and demolition environments was fully engineered, built, and tested. The robot integrates multiple sensing technologies, including RGB cameras, LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, and multispectral sensors, enabling it to capture detailed information about building elements and materials without physical intervention. Dedicated software was developed to allow the robot to navigate autonomously in complex environments, generate maps, localize itself, and follow planned paths while continuously collecting georeferenced data (WP1).
In parallel, the conceptual design of a complementary robotic system for discrete, localized sampling was initiated, following by the development and validation of a portable, automated system for in-situ identification of material composition. The system allows invasive but controlled measurements directly on site and is supported by dedicated data processing algorithms that translate raw measurements into material composition information. The prototyping and testing of the drilling platform was successfully performed (WP2).
Guidelines for ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were developed to ensure reliable data acquisition in demolition environments. An annotated database was created, containing both real and synthetic radar data representing different construction materials and embedded elements (WP1).
To enable coherent use of the diverse data generated by robots and sensors, a comprehensive data integration and governance framework was defined (WP3).
Beyond data acquisition and modelling, the project also advanced the scientific understanding of demolition and deconstruction practices. A comprehensive review of demolition methods currently used in Europe was conducted, covering technical approaches, operational constraints, waste separation practices, and levels of process control. A state-of-the-art review of life cycle assessment and life cycle costing approaches for demolition activities was completed (WP4).
The project initiated scientific research into the conditions required for the adoption of advanced digital and robotic tools in the construction and demolition sector. Bibliographic research on current deconstruction practices and digital tool uptake was combined with exploratory interviews and on-site observations (WP7).
