Robotics and Automation in the Construction of the Sliding Domes of King Fahd's Extension of the Prophet's Holy Mosque in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The King Fahd’s extension of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is the largest and most complex addition in the Mosque history. One of the most innovative features in this landmark project remains to be the unique twenty seven sliding domes, 18m x 18m each, covering its twenty seven interior open courtyards. With complex geometric and quality requirements, the design and construction of most components and segments of these domes had to rely on computer-driven robots. This paper describes the sliding domes and their major elements, materials and features. It also describes in detail the process used in their production, with emphasis on the role of robotics. The paper elaborates on how the use of robot-intensive industrial processes are utilized in the construction of such a major civil project. The successful completion of these magnificent domes witnesses to the validity and practicality of the use of robotics in the construction industry.