Innovation in civil engineering: Nicolai Stern's drilling robot is changing construction practice

The future of the construction industry is trenchless – Nicolai Stern is convinced of this. With his company, Stern Technic GmbH, the engineer has developed a technology that is set to revolutionize pipeline construction: the drilling robot Bob and the compact machine Buddel . Both systems enable horizontal drilling without the need to excavate large excavations. This saves time, costs, and resources.

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From idea to innovation

The name says it all: Buddel is a machine that lays cables underground without tearing up the ground. The system is supported by the autonomous robot Bob, which navigates precisely, corrects directions, and is particularly effective in compacted or sandy soils. Built-in sensors replace the laborious manual control of conventional earth-moving hammers and reduce costs that can arise from failed drilling.

Stern points to studies that show that trenchless construction technology can save up to 70% of construction time and 80% of construction costs . Yet, currently, only around 15% of new pipelines are laid this way—presenting enormous potential for sustainable construction projects.

Response at trade fairs

Stern will present its developments to a larger audience for the first time at bauma 2025 in Munich . Demand is already palpable. "There is definitely a need for compact horizontal drilling machines," emphasizes Stern. What makes the machines particularly attractive is their ease of handling , low weight , and the ability to use them even in tight construction sites.

Thanks to their electric drive technology, Bob and Buddel are a perfect fit for a time when sustainable construction projects are in increasing demand.

Support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A key to progress lies in cooperation. The Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce put Stern in touch with established civil engineering specialists who provide their own test sites. There, Stern regularly conducts series of tests and collects valuable data. This combination of start-up innovation and the expertise of established companies is proving to be a successful model.

Until now, Stern has financed the development of Bob and Buddel out of its own pocket. Collaboration with partners and integration into networks should now enable the next step: demonstrating their effectiveness under real construction site conditions.

Looking to the future

Trenchless construction is considered a technology of the future. It conserves resources, accelerates construction projects, and reduces impacts on the environment and residents. Nicolai Stern aims to use his developments to help ensure this technology becomes more widely adopted in practice.

His vision: sustainable, efficient civil engineering that redefines the construction of tomorrow.

👉 Conclusion: With Bob and Buddel, Stern Technic GmbH is on the threshold of a new era in civil engineering. Support from partners like the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the courage to consistently develop a technology make Nicolai Stern a pioneer of sustainable construction.