Robots speed tunnel reinforcement in Germany
A fleet of Baubot robots has drilled nearly 9,000 anchor holes as part of the Engelberg Tunnel upgrade in southern Germany, showcasing the potential of robotics to transform reinforced concrete works in infrastructure projects.
Working inside the busy A81 motorway tunnel, the robots drilled 20 mm diameter holes up to 240 mm deep, positioned as high as 7.5 m along the tunnel walls. The work prepared anchor points for the installation of a reinforced concrete facing shell with steel girders, required to address geological problems caused by swelling anhydrite rock.
Manual drilling in such conditions is typically limited by health and safety risks, including hand-arm vibration and dust exposure. Baubot’s MRS15 system, operated by Fischer BauBot Services, was able to drill continuously for up to eight hours a day, replacing a five-person crew and significantly cutting programme times. Each hole was logged digitally with data on depth, reinforcement encounters and drilling parameters, eliminating the need for manual records.
“This project highlights the enormous potential of modern automation solutions in infrastructure construction,” said Emil Kral, managing director of BauBot Services.
The Engelberg Tunnel upgrade is due for completion in 2026.
For the UK concrete sector, the trial points to opportunities in major infrastructure schemes such as HS2, the Silvertown Tunnel and the Lower Thames Crossing. High-volume robotic drilling could accelerate installation of precast segment anchors, mesh fixings and reinforcement systems, while improving safety and providing assured digital records under the Building Safety Act.
Impact on the UK concrete sector
- Faster tunnel reinforcement
Robotic drilling can complete thousands of anchor holes for reinforcement or precast segment installation, cutting programme times on complex UK tunnel projects. - Improved health & safety
Automation reduces exposure to hand-arm vibration, dust and confined-space risks — all heavily regulated in UK tunnelling and concrete works. - Digital quality assurance
Automatic logging of borehole depth, rebar encounters and drilling parameters creates a digital audit trail, aligning with UK Building Safety Act compliance and client reporting. - Labour and skills efficiency
Robots can replace multi-person drilling crews, easing workforce pressures and freeing skilled operatives for higher-value tasks.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter
