How to release a floor zone for robotic layout

Before releasing a floor zone for robotic layout, ask the BIM coordinator, survey lead and superintendent to point to the same area and the same revision. The print file can be ready while the crew is still waiting for control acceptance or floor access. Give the operator a single release record that makes those dependencies visible.

Separate the print file from the approval to use it

HP’s SitePrint documentation calls for a DXF with the elements to print, known obstacles and control points for the robotic total station. HP says the robot can work on damp surfaces but excludes puddles and rain. Use the documentation for the system actually quoted and have the site team confirm the floor condition before releasing the zone. HP SitePrint workflow

Keep the approved project revision next to the exported print file version. A newer upload can still come from a superseded drawing. Give one person responsibility for clearing the zone when the two records disagree. Ask the installer who prepares the export and who gets the floor cleared. ToPa 3D describes coordinating clear areas with general contractors and trades as part of its Dusty layout service. That is one provider’s handoff model. Confirm the scope for your own site. ToPa 3D layout service

Use one release record per zone

Drawing and print file. Record the floor and zone boundaries, participating trades, approved drawing revision, export identifier and the person who confirms they match. List any elements excluded from printing and name who will lay them out.
Project control. Record the survey lead’s acceptance for the named zone and revision, the date and where the operator can find it. Route discrepancies or missing control back to the survey lead for resolution before releasing the zone.
Floor availability. Have the superintendent confirm the work window, access and current floor condition. Mark occupied areas and identify the trade or crew that owns clearing them. If a portion remains unavailable, mark it held in the same record.
First marks and late changes. Ask the field and trade leads to review representative marks under the project’s existing acceptance procedure. Record who accepted them, skipped areas and remaining manual work. If a drawing changes after release, record which marks and areas may be affected. Hold those areas, resolve the new revision with the responsible leads and reissue the record before continuing.

What a customer example can tell you

Dusty’s current FieldPrint Platform page names FieldPrinter 2 and lists North America as the availability region. Ask the supplier to identify the exact generation and support arrangement in its quote. Dusty FieldPrint Platform

Skanska reports using Dusty Robotics at Sutter Health’s Samaritan Court Ambulatory Care and Surgery Center to mark layout for mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, framing and drywall. The project account does not identify the printer generation. For your own release, identify which trades will accept the marks and who owns any work outside the print file. Skanska’s project account

Keep the record attached to the zone through handoff. A useful release tells the incoming crew which file was used, which areas were accepted and where people still need to measure, mark or review the layout.

Sources & evidence

Official sources reviewed November 9, 2026. Vendor materials establish descriptions, not independently measured performance. Original evaluation criteria are our analysis.

Editorial status. Published November 9, 2026. This is source review and original analysis, not a hands-on test. Read our selection, corrections, and update policy ↗