A construction robot equipped with a 105-ft (32-m) telescopic boom arm has completed a journey from Australia to Florida. The robot, known as Hadrian X, is set to build up to 10 houses as it aims to be the preferred choice for constructing entire communities.
FBR, the robotics company behind Hadrian X, unveiled the prototype in 2015. The machine was capable of finishing a full-sized house in just two days. Last year, FBR (formerly Fastbrick Robotics) introduced the new Hadrian X, which can stack 500 USA-format masonry blocks at a rapid pace.
The automated construction arm starts working once pallets loaded with blocks are loaded onto it. Each block is then directed down a chute on the arm, coated with a quick-drying construction adhesive instead of mortar, and placed by an adjustable gripper at the arm’s end. With its impressive length, the arm can construct buildings up to three stories tall. Being a robot, it can work continuously, regardless of weather conditions, as it doesn’t require rest or sleep.
The arrival of Hadrian X in Florida is a result of a collaboration between FBR and CRH Ventures Americas, Inc, a subsidiary of CRH plc, one of the largest supplier of concrete blocks in the US.
The robotic builder’s plan involves carrying out a site acceptance test in Fort Meyers, Florida, to showcase its capabilities. If the test is successful, Hadrian X will proceed to construct between five and ten single-story homes as part of a demonstration program.
Following this, the two companies will establish a more permanent agreement where FBR will serve as CRH Ventures’ exclusive “Wall as a Service” provider in the United States. This agreement may eventually result in the gradual purchase of 300 Hadrian X units from FBR, which will be utilized to develop entire robot-built communities.
