Researchers develop new robot: The future of scaffolding is here

In just a couple of years, scaffolders may find themselves meeting a completely new kind of colleague in the site cabin:

The robot Genio.

Genio is a mobile robot equipped with two robotic arms that executes scaffold assembly based on a digital plan created by the scaffolder. After designing the scaffolding in a 3D environment and defining the assembly sequence, the scaffolder hands over the physical execution to Genio, who carries out the heavy lifting and positioning on its own. Throughout the process, the scaffolder stays in control – overseeing, coordinating material logistics, and managing adjustments via tablet or smartphone.

The robot has been developed by the scaffolding manufacturer PERI in collaboration with researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, the Belgian universities KU Leuven and UC Leuven Limburg, RWTH Aachen University in Germany, and the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia.

The goal, the partners say, is to support scaffolders with a new tool, making their work safer, less physically demanding and quicker, thereby also helping to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.

- We are developing the robot to make the physically demanding scaffolding work on construction sites easier and safer. The close collaboration between humans, robots and machines addresses the shortage of skilled workers in a highly efficient and digital way, says Peter Rübel, Senior Business Development Manager at PERI.

Mobile and flexible

At the University of Southern Denmark, it is Professor Christian Schlette, Head of the Centre for Large Structure Production (LSP), who has led the research team.

And there is good reason why no one has developed a scaffolding robot before, he explains. It’s not an easy task.

- Scaffolding work usually takes place outdoors, so the robot must be able to operate in changing environments. It has to be very mobile and able to handle scaffolding components that are not necessarily identical and may have dents and scratches from years of use, says Christian Schlette.

- These are all characteristics that typically only humans are good at.

What has now made it possible is, of course, technological advancement, but above all the close collaboration between research teams across Europe, the professor says.

- We could only achieve this thanks to all the close partners, each of whom is an expert in their own field. And thanks to PERI, who were open-minded and ready to develop something entirely new, says Christian Schlette.

Tests on construction sites

Right now, Genio is still at the prototype stage. It works as intended, but so far it has only been tested in closed, controlled environments.

The robot was first presented to the construction industry at the major construction trade fair bauma in Munich in April 2025.

The partners have now launched another three-year research project, with the aim of testing the robot on realistic test construction sites.

- Over the coming years, in close collaboration with our customers and research consortium, we aim to bring the prototype to market maturity, explains Oliver Schilling, Scaffolding Automation Specialist at PERI.

- We will define specific requirements and areas of application – such as façade scaffolding, shoring, or industrial uses and beyond. On test construction sites, we will evaluate process reliability, usability, speed, and other relevant factors.

Fact box: About the project

Genio has been developed by the scaffolding company PERI in collaboration with researchers from LSP at the University of Southern Denmark, KU Leuven, RWTH Aachen University, UC Leuven Limburg and the Jožef Stefan Institute.

Based on a digital twin and defined assembly sequence provided by the scaffolder, Genio autonomously handles the positioning, lifting, and connecting of PERI UP components. An integrated transport system delivers the materials to the required level, while the scaffolder monitors progress, ensures safety, and makes real-time adjustments via an app.

The idea for the robot originated in 2019, and the first functional prototype in a controlled environment was presented at the bauma construction fair in 2025 in Munich. The partners are now working to test the robot under real-life conditions on a construction site so that, potentially, a finished product can be ready in just three years.