Skip to main content
European Union logo
New European Bauhaus Prizes

Maxi Mole

Basic information

Project Title

Maxi Mole

Full project title

Drilltek systems

Category

Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking

Project Description

Introducing a cutting-edge drilling system designed for the swift and precise installation of urban underground infrastructure, surpassing traditional demolitive methods used in excavation and construction.

Geographical Scope

National

Project Region

North Macedonia

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

EU Programme or fund

No

Description of the project

Summary

Drilltek Systems innovative technology embodies a transformative approach to urban utility development, contributing significantly to the New European Bauhaus's goals, by fostering a circular industrial ecosystem, promoting life cycle thinking, and addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. In fact, our hybrid solution sets a new standard for sustainable and efficient practices in the construction industry. Drilltek Systems introduces a refined hybrid solution that seamlessly integrates best practices and technology, offering an autonomous drilling drone for small-size underground installations. One of the key contributions to a circular industrial ecosystem is the reduction in resource consumption. Traditional excavation often results in material displacement and waste generation. In contrast, the drilling drone minimizes surface disruption, requiring fewer resources and promoting responsible resource management. This aligns with the New European Bauhaus's goal of fostering resource efficiency in construction practices.
Our innovative technology not only facilitates efficient installations but also ensures the longevity and durability of underground utilities. This perspective aligns with the New European Bauhaus initiative, emphasizing the consideration of the entire life cycle of products and infrastructures to minimize environmental impact and enhance resilience. The social impact of urban development cannot be overlooked. Traditional excavation methods often leave visible scars on the urban landscape, impacting aesthetics and community well-being. Our intent is to minimize surface disruption, enhance urban aesthetics, and contributing to positive social impacts, thereby resonating with the New European Bauhaus's vision of creating harmonious and visually appealing environments.
Cost savings and accessibility are crucial factors in promoting inclusive and economically feasible urban development. Drilltek Systems addresses the economic barrier.

Key objectives for sustainability

The key objectives of the Drilltek Systems project in terms of sustainability are centered around environmental, social, and economic considerations. The project aims to revolutionize urban utility development by introducing a refined hybrid solution that seamlessly integrates best practices and technology. Here are the key sustainability objectives and how they are addressed:
1.O: Reduce resource consumption and minimize waste generation associated with traditional excavation methods.
-The autonomous drilling drone minimizes surface disruption, requiring fewer resources and promoting responsible resource management. This significantly reduces material displacement and waste generation, aligning with the goal of resource efficiency.
2.O: Consider the entire lifecycle of products and infrastructures to minimize environmental impact and enhance resilience.
- By adopting a lifecycle perspective, the project contributes to minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects.
3.O: Minimize surface disruption, enhance urban aesthetics, and contribute to positive social impacts.
-The drilling drone minimizes visible scars on the urban landscape, preserving aesthetics and community well-being.
4.O: Address economic barriers associated with trenchless technology, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional excavation.
- Drilltek Systems provides cost savings of up to 60%, making advanced trenchless technology more accessible and economically feasible for urban development projects. This supports inclusivity by reducing economic barriers and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices.
5.Contribute to a circular industrial ecosystem by fostering a closed-loop system in construction practices.
-Drilltek Systems sets a new standard for sustainable and efficient practices in the construction industry, aligning with the New European Bauhaus's goals.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The key objectives of the Drilltek Systems project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people revolve around minimizing surface disruption, enhancing urban aesthetics, and contributing to positive cultural benefits. The project seeks to provide a more visually appealing and harmonious environment by leveraging design and technology.
1.O: Minimizing Surface Disruption:
-The autonomous drilling drone used in Drilltek Systems minimizes surface disruption by creating horizontal underground bore holes for installations. This significantly reduces the need for extensive excavation, preserving the visual integrity of the urban environment. The result is a cleaner, less disrupted landscape that contributes to a positive visual experience for residents and visitors.
2.O: Enhancing Urban Aesthetics:
-The design of the Drilltek Systems project takes into account not just the functional aspects of underground utility installation but also the aesthetic impact on the surroundings. By minimizing the need for traditional excavation and surface demolition, the project helps maintain the visual appeal of urban spaces.
3.Positive Cultural Impact:
-Traditional excavation methods can disrupt historical or culturally significant areas, leading to a disconnect between residents and their cultural heritage. Drilltek Systems, by minimizing surface disruption, helps preserve cultural landscapes and historical sites. This contributes to a sense of pride and connection to the local cultural heritage, fostering positive cultural benefits for the community.
4.User-Friendly Design:
-The autonomous nature of the drilling drone in Drilltek Systems minimizes the need for extensive human manual intervention with but reduced disturbances for residents and businesses.
5.Community Engagement:
-This engagement contributes to a positive quality of experience for people living in the area

Key objectives for inclusion

Drilltek Systems aims to revolutionize urban utility development by addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects. Key objectives include:

1.O: Affordability and Economic Feasibility:
- Drilltek Systems provides a cost-effective solution with up to 60% savings compared to traditional methods, enhancing accessibility to advanced infrastructure for diverse communities.
2.O: Community Engagement and Participation:
-The project ensures inclusive governance by actively involving the community, fostering transparent communication, and incorporating resident input. This approach encourages a sense of ownership and participation in urban development.
3.O: Accessibility to Advanced Technology:
- By overcoming economic barriers, Drilltek Systems makes trenchless technology more accessible to a wider range of municipalities, promoting equitable access to cutting-edge infrastructure.
4.Design for All Principles:
- The user-friendly design of the drilling drone and trenchless technology considers the diverse needs of communities, minimizing disruptions and ensuring adaptability to various urban settings.
5. New Societal Models:
-Drilltek Systems introduces a next-generation approach, challenging traditional excavation methods and setting a standard for sustainable and efficient practices. This innovation inspires new societal models that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement in urban development projects.

Our hybrid innovative solution exemplifies inclusion through affordability, community engagement, accessibility to advanced technology, and a design that considers diverse needs. This project serves as a model for inclusive urban development practices, promoting affordability, accessibility, and community participation.

How Citizens benefit

Introducing a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of underground utility development, the Drilltek Systems project pioneers a revolutionary type of guidance and control system, presenting a compact autonomous drilling machine that functions as an underground drilling drone. This cutting-edge technology not only offers an economic and efficient substitute to traditional excavation methods but also eliminates the need for specialized and expensive crews.
The innovative character of the Drilltek Systems project stands out prominently when compared to mainstream actions in the field. Unlike conventional excavation approaches that rely on labor-intensive processes and extensive surface disruption, this project introduces a transformative autonomous drilling drone. This drone leverages advanced guidance and control systems, reshaping the landscape of urban utility development.
Traditional methods often necessitate sizable crews with specialized skills, leading to increased project costs and extended timelines. In stark contrast, Drilltek Systems provides a forward-thinking solution that significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need for highly specialized crews. The compact autonomous drilling machine operates efficiently, requiring minimal human intervention while maximizing precision in underground utility installations.
Moreover, the project challenges the status quo by minimizing surface disruption, addressing the visual and environmental drawbacks associated with mainstream excavation methods. The introduction of this underground drilling drone heralds a paradigm shift, aligning with the principles of sustainability, resource efficiency, and community well-being.
In essence, Drilltek Systems emerges as a trailblazer in urban utility development by introducing an autonomous drilling solution that not only surpasses the efficiency of current excavation methods but also sets new standards for cost-effectiveness, environmental responsibility and technology.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Innovative character

Introducing a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of underground utility development, the Drilltek Systems project pioneers a revolutionary type of guidance and control system, presenting a compact autonomous drilling machine that functions as an underground drilling drone. This cutting-edge technology not only offers an economic and efficient substitute to traditional excavation methods but also eliminates the need for specialized and expensive crews.
The innovative character of the concept stands out prominently when compared to mainstream actions in the field. Unlike conventional excavation approaches that rely on labor-intensive processes and extensive surface disruption, this project introduces a transformative autonomous drilling drone. This drone leverages advanced guidance and control systems, reshaping the landscape of urban utility development.
Traditional methods often necessitate sizable crews with specialized skills, leading to increased project costs and extended timelines. In stark contrast, Drilltek Systems provides a forward-thinking solution that significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need for highly specialized crews. The compact autonomous drilling machine operates efficiently, requiring minimal human intervention while maximizing precision in underground utility installations.
Moreover, the project challenges the status quo by minimizing surface disruption, addressing the visual and environmental drawbacks associated with mainstream excavation methods. The introduction of this underground drilling drone heralds a paradigm shift, aligning with the principles of sustainability, resource efficiency, and community well-being.

In essence, Drilltek Systems emerges as a trailblazer in urban utility development by introducing an autonomous drilling solution that not only surpasses the efficiency of current excavation methods but also sets new standards for cost-effectiveness, environmental responsibility and technological advancement.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The design and implementation of the Drilltek Systems project brought together a diverse array of disciplines, each playing a pivotal role in the development of an innovative and integrated solution. Representing construction, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, geology, and machine learning, experts from these fields collaborated in a synergistic manner to enhance the trenchless drilling process.
Construction experts, with their practical knowledge of traditional and trenchless construction methods, collaborated closely with professionals from mechatronics and mechanical engineering. The intersection of these disciplines added significant value by bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and established construction practices.
Geologists contributed their specialized insights into subsurface conditions, soil types, and geological challenges. The integration of geological expertise ensured that the autonomous drilling drone could adapt seamlessly to varying soil conditions, minimizing risks associated with subsurface challenges. The geological input added substantial value by enhancing the project's reliability and resilience.
Machine learning experts played a critical role in developing intelligent algorithms that improved the drone's decision-making processes during drilling. The result was a system that could adapt in real-time, optimizing drilling parameters based on actual data and feedback. Machine learning not only added value by enhancing the efficiency and precision of the trenchless drilling process but also positioned the project at the forefront of technological innovation.
The added value of this interdisciplinary collaboration was multi-faceted. As a result, the Drilltek Systems project stands as a testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving ambitious technological objectives.

Methodology used

The methodology and approach are rooted in a combination of experience, reverse engineering of current practices, and the integration of state-of-the-art technology to design and produce a novel, next generation drilling machine prototype.
-Field Experience and Observation:
Understanding the Business Context: This involves on-site observations, data collection, and a keen understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in the field.
-Identification of Technological Gaps:
-Reverse Engineering Current Practices: The team engages in a meticulous reverse engineering process, deconstructing existing drilling methodologies to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement. This step involves scrutinizing current equipment, workflows, and industry practices to pinpoint gaps and opportunities for innovation.
-Integration of State-of-the-Art Technology:
Application of Industrial Technologies: Drawing inspiration from cutting-edge technologies employed in various industries, the project team identifies electronic, software, and material advancements that can be adapted to revolutionize the drilling process.
-Prototyping and Design:
Incorporating Next-Generation Features: The identified technologies are integrated into the design phase to create a prototype that embodies the next generation of drill machines. This involves conceptualizing a compact, autonomous drilling machine equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and control systems, optimized for efficiency and precision.
-Testing and Iteration:
Real-World Testing: The prototype undergoes rigorous testing in real-world conditions to validate its functionality, reliability, and efficiency.
-Continuous Innovation and Adaptation:
Agile Development: The project adopts an agile development approach, allowing for continuous innovation and adaptation based on emerging technologies, industry trends, and feedback from field testing.

How stakeholders are engaged

The Drilltek Systems concept is marked by a concerted effort to foster active collaboration across diverse stakeholders, spanning local, regional, national, and European levels.
At the local level, communities served as pivotal contributors to the project's development. Residents played a crucial role in shaping the project's trajectory, providing on-the-ground perspectives that enhanced the overall efficacy and relevance of the trenchless drilling initiative. On the regional front, representatives from broader regional communities actively participated in stakeholder meetings. By integrating regional perspectives, the project will gain a strategic dimension, contributing not only to local needs but also to the broader regional development agenda. National authorities were essential stakeholders in the project, providing crucial oversight and guidance. Regular consultations and updates ensured that the project adhered to national regulations and standards. This collaboration was integral in maintaining legal compliance, fostering a streamlined integration of the project into the national infrastructure framework.
At the European level, representatives played a vital role in ensuring that the project aligns with broader European goals and standards. Periodic updates and consultations with European stakeholders facilitated a harmonious integration of the project into the larger European urban development narrative.
In summary, the Drilltek Systems project exemplified a robust and inclusive engagement strategy that actively involved stakeholders at various levels. By integrating insights from communities, residents, businesses, and governmental bodies, the project achieved a harmonious balance between local relevance and broader regional and European perspectives. This multifaceted engagement approach not only ensured the success of the trenchless drilling work but also positioned the project as a model for inclusive and collaborative infrastructure development.

Global challenges

The Drilltek Systems project provides localized solutions to address pressing global challenges associated with underground urban utilities.

-Economic Efficiency:
Global Challenge: Traditional excavation methods are economically burdensome, hindering infrastructure development worldwide.
Local Solution: Drilltek Systems offers an autonomous drilling drone, reducing costs significantly and making urban utility development economically viable globally.

-Minimizing Demolition and Disruption:
Global Challenge: Traditional excavation disrupts urban landscapes, causing social inconvenience and negatively impacting residents' quality of life.
Local Solution: Drilltek Systems minimizes surface disruption, preserving urban aesthetics and functionality globally.

-Addressing Blockages and Accessibility:
Global Challenge: Conventional excavation methods hinder accessibility and pose safety concerns globally.
Local Solution: Drilltek Systems enhances accessibility, mitigating disruptions and improving urban mobility on a global scale.

-Environmental Sustainability:
Global Challenge: Traditional excavation practices contribute to environmental degradation and compromise long-term sustainability.
Local Solution: Drilltek Systems prioritizes environmental sustainability by reducing resource consumption, promoting responsible resource management, and aligning with global goals of sustainable infrastructure development.

Social and Economic Impact:
Global Challenge: Traditional excavation has negative social and economic repercussions, affecting communities, businesses, and urban aesthetics.
Local Solution: Drilltek Systems positively impacts social and economic aspects by minimizing disruption, enhancing urban aesthetics, and promoting faster completion times. Cost savings contribute to economic feasibility and inclusivity in urban development projects globally.

Learning transferred to other parties

Drilltek Systems presents a globally replicable model, featuring key elements poised for transfer to diverse contexts.

-Autonomous Drilling Drone Technology:
Transferable Core Design: The autonomous drilling drone's core technology and design are adaptable to different settings, providing precision in underground utility installations across diverse soil conditions.

-Advanced Guidance and Control Systems:
Global Applicability: The state-of-the-art guidance and control systems embedded in the drilling drone can be replicated worldwide. Leveraging cutting-edge technology enhances the efficiency and precision of underground drilling operations globally.

-Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Methodology:
Collaborative Framework: The methodology of inclusive collaboration with stakeholders at different levels is transferable.

-Knowledge Transfer and Innovation:
Replicable Innovation: The approach of reverse engineering and applying advanced technology for innovation is transferable. This methodology can be adapted globally across industries to improve existing processes and foster innovation.

-Collaboration with Industry Experts:
Transferrable Practice: Engaging with industry experts, such as contractors and engineers, is a globally transferable aspect. Such collaborations contribute to refining technology and ensuring alignment with practical needs in various global settings.

-Adaptation to Local Needs:
Global Flexibility: The project's flexibility in adapting to local needs and requirements is transferable, allowing technology and methodology to be tailored to specific contexts globally.

-Efficient Deployment Practices:
Agile Development Model: The agile development approach is transferable to other technology-intensive projects globally.
In essence, Drilltek Systems provides a scalable model for global replication.

Keywords

Innovative rapid laying for underground utilities
Cost-effective urban utility development
Minimal urban area demolition
Resource efficiency in construction
Positive social impact

Gallery