A Detailed Look at the Prototype from Stern Technic GmbH
The construction and infrastructure industry is currently experiencing a mini-revolution: Trenchless laying techniques are becoming increasingly popular to minimize earthworks as well as time and cost. Stern Technic GmbH has developed a prototype called BOB, an autonomous tunnel boring robot designed specifically for granular media such as sand or light soils. In this blog post, we take a closer look at how this innovative system works, its special features, and its future prospects—based on the information presented in the associated YouTube video.
1. Background: Why Trenchless Technologies Are So Important
Traditionally, laying cables or pipes involves extensive earthworks and the creation of trenches. This not only leads to traffic disruptions and complex restoration work but also causes higher costs and longer construction times.
Trenchless technologies offer a clear advantage here: they enable underground installation of utility lines without the need to excavate large open trenches. This saves space, time, and resources—and it is in this context that Stern Technic GmbH has developed its new prototype.
2. How BOB Works
BOB, the tunnel boring robot, uses a patented drive system:
• Right-hand augers (extruders) are located at the front and rear, working against each other.
• A left-hand auger (extruder) in the middle provides stabilization and absorbs the resulting torque.
When the front and rear augers are driven, they generate torque, which is absorbed by the middle auger. This counter-rotating motion allows the entire system to move forward into the ground or sand. According to the video, this opposing movement is the heart of the patented solution developed by Stern Technic.
2.1 Advantages of the Auger Technology
• Efficient Forward Movement: Because the material is displaced spirally outward by the augers, the cross-section behind the drill head remains clear without having to remove large amounts of soil or provide additional support.
• Autonomous Operation: BOB is designed for autonomous use. A short reference run is all it takes, and the robot begins its drilling process through the backfilled granular material.
• Flexible System: Whether it’s battery- or cable-powered—both variants are possible. This allows BOB to adapt to various sites and requirements.
3. Real-World Example from the Video: How BOB Drills Through Sand
The video illustrates just how simple it is to start up BOB:
1. Connect the plug: With a small connector, the power supply is established.
2. Short Reference Run: The robot calibrates itself to determine the correct orientation and position.
3. Start Drilling: BOB then begins moving forward, pushing the material to the sides and digging its way ahead.
Even if small stones or harder particles are present in the sand, BOB can handle them. The current prototype, however, is not intended for coarser rock, as it is primarily designed for lighter soils.
4. Present and Future of BOB
The robot presented is still in the prototype phase. Much of it is visibly makeshift since the main focus is on testing the basic function and the drilling concept. The following points are particularly exciting for the future:
• Further Development and Refinement: The system is intended to become more robust, more compact, and even more reliable. Stern Technic GmbH plans to continuously optimize BOB and expand its capability for various soil conditions.
• Presentation at Bauma: According to the video, the company intends to present its prototype at Bauma—one of the world’s largest trade fairs for construction machinery. There, BOB may attract additional investors, partners, or potential customers from the industry.
• Scalability: It is conceivable to have different sizes and performance classes so that BOB can be tailored to various project requirements—from laying small cables to installing larger utility lines.
5. Conclusion: A Trenchless Revolution with Potential
With BOB, Stern Technic GmbH impressively demonstrates how innovation and practical orientation can go hand in hand. The patented auger system enables efficient and autonomous drilling in granular soils, which could be a significant milestone in trenchless construction. Although it is still a prototype, the results shown and the planned further development suggest that BOB could become a serious alternative to established methods in the future.
Whether laying new cable routes, expanding fiber optic networks, or conducting other underground construction projects—BOB has the potential to reduce constraints caused by open trenches and time-consuming earthworks. We look forward to seeing what progress the system makes in the coming months and years and how it ultimately finds its place in the industry.
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