Overview

• The Science Robotics paper, published April 23, 2025, introduces a five-stage autonomy framework for Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM).
• Field testing of aerial construction drones has commenced at DroneHub in Switzerland, marking a critical step toward real-world application.
• Aerial AM shows promise for safer, more sustainable construction, particularly in hazardous or remote locations inaccessible to traditional methods.
• Challenges remain in material durability, outdoor localization, and multi-drone coordination, requiring interdisciplinary advancements in robotics, materials science, and architecture.
• Researchers propose combining aerial drones with ground-based systems for efficient construction, leveraging drones' flexibility at greater heights and in extreme environments.