In Utrecht, the Netherlands, the Cartesius urban district is being developed between 2020 and 2030. The project includes around 3,000 new apartments – ranging from social housing to luxurious penthouses – as well as additional facilities, all connected by an intelligently designed network of green spaces. By using two fischer BauBot construction robots, approximately 4,800 holes were automatically drilled into the ceiling of an residential building under construction. This significantly facilitated overhead installations and greatly improved both the efficiency and precision of the work.

With over 2,800 residential units, a large park, a school, a supermarket, restaurants, and other facilities, Cartesius Utrecht is becoming a new urban district that offers residents everything they need for a comfortable life. The project aims to create one of the healthiest, most traffic-calmed, and bike-friendly neighbourhoods in the Netherlands, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovative energy solutions, and shared mobility. Cartesius is a development of the Cartesius consortium MRP and Ballast Nedam Development (leading Dutch real estate development companies with a strong presence in urban areas) in cooperation with the Municipalty of Utrecht and NS Stations, Urban- and Landscape architect Mecanoo, EVA Architecten (Okinawa and Cartesius Parking). Paul de Ruiter Architecten (Nicoya and Loma Linda), de Architekten Cie. (Baunei), projectmanagement in cooperation with Drees & Sommer Netherlands, realization phase 2 Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling (het CAB, Okinawa and Parking Garage) and Ballast Nedam West (Nicoya). 

“Our integrated project approach played a key role in the successful use of the BauBots at the Cartesius construction site in Utrecht,” emphasizes Jan Popma, Technical Manager for the Benelux countries at fastening specialist fischer. “Various stakeholders were involved right from the start to leverage synergies and ensure project success.”

Integrated Project Approach
The approach began with the structural engineer and included all relevant partners: the client, the general contractor, subcontractors, and multiple logistics service providers. With its BauBot Services GmbH founded in 2024 and the Dutch fischer subsidiary, fischer offered all services related to the robotic deployment from a single source. Services included support in creating the digital construction plan and professional on-site assistance with the drilling operations by a trained operator. To ensure smooth operations, backup robots, spare end effectors, and substitute operators were provided. Drill bits and consumables were also included in the service package.

The Cartesius project clearly demonstrates how digital documentation during robot-assisted construction can further increase efficiency on-site: process parameters of each step — including drill hole depths, rebar hits, and other key data — were precisely recorded.

Innovative Construction Technology – BauBots in Action
“Our BauBots made a significant contribution to the project’s success,” says Emil Kral, Managing Director of fischer BauBot Services GmbH. “They drilled around 4,800 hammer-drilled holes — 6 mm in diameter and 50 mm deep — into the concrete ceiling with maximum precision and speed. This greatly improved the efficiency and accuracy of the installation work.” In addition, the robots relieved workers from physically strenuous tasks and reduced the risk of injury. The integrated dust extraction system ensured a clean, health-conscious work environment and simultaneously enabled the approved installation of the mechanical anchors used. Emil Kral continues: “Our BauBots clearly demonstrate how fischer’s pioneering solutions prove themselves in real-world practice. The use of our construction robots perfectly aligned with the philosophy of our customer Fleurbaaij Totaal Afbouw, who consistently embraces modern technologies.”

Successful Product Integration
Thanks to close collaboration and knowledge sharing between all internal and external project participants, the most suitable fischer fastening solutions were implemented in addition to the BauBots. These included the FAZ II Plus anchor bolt, the UltraCut FBS II concrete screw, the SensorDisc sensor-integrated washer, and over 5,000 meters of FLS 30 channels (fischer light channel system). fischer continues to support its partners through to the successful completion of the project.

Custom Solution for Suspended Ceiling Installation
For the installation of the residential building’s suspended ceiling, a tailor-made solution was developed using FLS 30 channels, M10 threaded rods, and FBS II 6 concrete screws from fischer. All overhead installation details were coordinated with the general contractor and subcontractor. A 600 x 600 mm hole grid was drilled to allow for precise installation. After the BauBots drilled the holes in accordance with the BIM model, the mounting of the suspended ceiling with the use of the concrete screws and FLS 30 channels was a straightforward process. The close cooperation between all parties involved ensured a smooth and efficient workflow.

Overcoming Installation Challenges
“The BauBots’ movement was limited, and the structure had a complex geometry that required careful load distribution. Despite this, our BauBots performed excellently,” says Emil Kral. The drilling work took place about 20 meters above ground on scaffolding. The robots were equipped with FMS channels (fischer heavy-duty channel system) for load distribution, mounted at each support point. Additionally, the robots moved exclusively on specially designed load distribution layers. The drilling operations proceeded without issue — even under a low ceiling height of 3.2 meters and a complex structure with multiple crossbeams that reduced the effective working height to 2.7 meters.

Digital Expertise Meets Construction Practice
fischer’s integrated project approach — uniting the expertise of various disciplines and partners — significantly contributed to the successful use of the BauBots on the Cartesius project. Thanks to close collaboration among all parties involved, the robots were able to fully leverage their advantages: increased productivity, maximum precision, improved working conditions, and enhanced safety. Once again, the fastening expert proves how its pioneering solutions can be effectively applied in real-world construction scenarios.