MESH technology

3D reinforcement elements for complex reinforced concrete components

MESH technology is a form of robot-assisted technology for efficient and cost-effective production of complex reinforced concrete components, which does not require any formwork.

This new construction technology was developed over the course of ten years of intensive research at ETH Zurich. The technology has been used in an industrial construction process in partnership with PERI and Sika since 2019. This was followed by the founding of MESH AG in 2022 – an ETH spin-off based in Zurich.

VIDEO | MESH technology

The MESH technology at a glance:

Building rethought

Digitised from the 3D model to the production process: The innovative MESH technology makes robotic manufacturing accessible for the construction industry.

The main idea is to use an automated prefabrication process to produce complex or curved reinforcement cages, which would normally have been produced by hand using elaborate conventional formwork methods. The 3D reinforcement elements created in this way serve as formwork and reinforcement in equal measure and are filled with a specific concrete mixture.

An automated, robot-assisted prefabrication process

MESH technology combines digital planning with robot-assisted fabrication to enable quick and easy production of the 3D reinforcement elements. These can be used both for formwork and reinforcement purposes. (Photo: MESH AG)
Wide range of potential applications

The new construction method is particularly well suited to the production of sophisticated moulds for structural and civil engineering applications in bespoke concrete structures. Conventional concrete structures can also be structurally optimised and realised in a material-efficient manner using the innovative technology.
Customised use of materials

The formative 3D reinforcement structure of the technology eliminates formwork waste. Furthermore, it ensures that the reinforced concrete structure can be optimised in terms of its geometric design. This means that the volumes of concrete and steel can be reduced and used only to meet the necessary requirements.
High degree of design freedom

MESH technology enables cost-efficient production of complex geometries in addition to offering a completely new level of design freedom in terms of shape and surface structure. (Photo: MESH AG)