Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter User Guide

Introduction

Dusty Robotics Background and History

Dusty Robotics accelerates the digital transformation of the construction industry by developing robot-powered tools for the modern construction workforce. Our FieldPrinter-automated layout robot bridges the gap between design and reality, bringing fully-detailed digital building models out to the field for error-free construction.

Today, Dusty FieldPrinters are working on construction sites throughout North America. Dusty Robotics works closely with clients to ensure that its products exceed customer expectations from design to delivery of the final product.

Robot Applications

The Dusty FieldPrinter system can print full-size floor plans on the deck for builders. Construction crews build directly off those plans, reducing the possibility of manual error. Robotic layout takes significantly less time with higher accuracy compared to traditional layout. Digital reports are automatically created, detailing exactly what was laid out, ensuring smoother closeout and handoff. The FieldPrinter is also capable of laying out multiple trades at once, ensuring that all crews are working off of the same information and clashes are resolved earlier in the schedule.

The Dusty FieldPrinter system is an advanced robotic platform that uses cutting-edge technology to autonomously navigate the job site. Using precise control systems, it prints lines with 1/16" accuracy. Path planning and obstacle avoidance systems allow it to print the maximal layout near obstructions while optimizing print speed.

System Contents

FieldPrinter Case

Refer to the last page for more information on how to locate the specific items in this case.

Remove the panel to reveal the contents of the case.

Laser Tracker Case

Match the text color of each item to the colored circles on the next page to identify the location of the items within the case.

A diagram shows the layout of the Laser Tracker Case with items labeled: Tripod Adapter, Radio & Spare Cables, Cables, Laser Tracker, Spanner Wrench, Power Supply Unit, and Laser Tracker Controller.

Tripod Bag

Accessories Case

Components

FieldPrinter Views

FRONT-THREE-QUARTER VIEW: Shows the front, back, handles, and reflector mount of the FieldPrinter.

BACK-THREE-QUARTER VIEW: Shows the front, back, open cover, joystick USB receiver, antennas, power lights, and on/off switch of the FieldPrinter.

FRONT PANEL VIEW: Illustrates the front panel, showing the cartridge release lever, ink cartridge, wind guards, and print stall. A diagram indicates to raise the front panel to access this view.

Joystick Buttons

The joystick features directional controls, a dead man's switch, cancel button, start/stop reflector button, and drive control. Face buttons are labeled Y (Skip line), B (Retract print head), A (Flip line direction), and X (Reprint line). Trigger buttons are labeled LT (Left printer test) and RT (Right printer test). LB and RB buttons are also present. A diagram indicates that the drive control must be set to X.

Safety Guidelines

General Safety: When operating the FieldPrinter, it is important to keep an eye on the robot at all times.

• Stairs or Inclines: The FieldPrinter is not suitable for operation on stairs or inclines of over 5 degrees.
• Slab Edges: Protect any open edges with a barrier at least 2" in height to ensure safe FieldPrinter operation.
• Rain or Puddles: The FieldPrinter system cannot operate near puddles or in rain.
• Handling Parts: Be careful when handling any of the system components.
• Shipping: FieldPrinter batteries (Kobalt) must be in a carry-on bag or shipped with strict requirements. Ecoflow can only be shipped ground. Consult your shipping provider or airline for requirements.

Applicable Construction Safety Standard Review

Ensure that standard safety guidelines are met when operating the FieldPrinter to prevent a potential fall from a slab edge or opening.

Federal OSHA

1917.112 - Guarding of edges.

1917.112(d) Toeboards: Toeboards shall be provided when employees below could be exposed to falling objects such as tools. Toeboards shall be at least 3½ inches (8.9 cm) in height from top edge to floor level, and be capable of withstanding a force of 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any direction. Drainage clearance under toeboards is permitted.

CAL OSHA

1621. Railings and Toeboards.

(b) A standard toeboard shall be 4 inches (nominal) minimum in vertical height from its top edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It shall be securely fastened in place and have not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. It may be made of any substantial material, either solid, or with openings not over one inch in greatest dimension. Toeboards shall be provided on all open sides and ends of railed scaffolds at locations where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold and at all interior floor, roof, and shaft openings.

Setup

Laser Tracker Setup

1. Place the Stabilizer on the Ground: Before setting up the tripod, ensure the tripod stabilizer is positioned completely flat on the ground. Ensure that the rubber retention bands are facing up.
2. Place the Tripod on the Stabilizer: After setting the stabilizer on the ground, open and place each of the tripod legs onto the holes of the stabilizer and wrap the rubber retention bands onto the tripod legs.
3. Raise the Tripod Legs: Pull the latch on each leg to raise the height of the tripod to about 8 to 12 inches. This is necessary to ensure that the components fit correctly on the tripod. At this step, the tripod only needs to be approximately leveled.
4. Mount the Laser Tracker Adapter on the Tripod: After the tripod has been securely fastened to the stabilizer, mount the adapter onto the top of the tripod. Once the adapter is on the tripod, rotate clockwise to tighten until snug. Do not tighten with the adapter arm. Ensure the adapter is fastened tightly to the tripod; if not, print quality may be affected. Ensure the adapter is correctly placed on the tripod; the adapter must be flush with the tripod, not tilted.
5. Tighten the Adapter with the Spanner Wrench: When using the spanner to tighten the adapter, ensure that you do not overtighten it. Use just a little bit of force to ensure a good fit on the tripod.
6. Ensure the Adapter is in the Unlock Position: The adapter handle needs to be in the rightmost position. If not already in that position, pull the handle neck outward and push right. When unlocked, the ball bearings in the adapter are movable.
7. Place the Laser Tracker on the Adapter: After securing the laser tracker head adapter onto the tripod, the next step is to ensure the correct placement of the laser tracker head. The laser tracker is heavy; use two hands when handling it.
8. Lock the Adapter to Secure the Laser Tracker: Pull the handle outward and push the adapter handle to the left to lock the head unit in place. Hold the handle at the top of the head with one hand during tightening to eliminate wobble. Failure to lock the adapter may result in equipment damage or poor print quality.
9. Level the Laser Tracker: Locate the leveling bubble on the back of the head. Ensure that the leveling bubble is contained within the circle. The bubble does not need to be perfectly centered, but it must be completely inside of the circle to function properly.

Tip: To make the leveling process easier, try to position the bubble in-line with individual tripod legs and then go to that leg and adjust until the bubble is centered.

Connect the Wires

Once the head is properly set up onto the tripod, connect the wires.

A diagram shows the Leica AT960 laser tracker head and controller. One cable connects to the power supply unit, and another connects to the Leica laser tracker head. Instructions state that to ensure correct alignment, the red dot must be facing upwards and align with red dots on the laser tracker controller. Another diagram shows connecting the laser tracker to the controller, emphasizing that the red dots must align.