US-based Caterpillar is putting $2 million into Fastbrick Robotics, an Australian company that has developed a robot that can brick over 1,000 bricks per hour. Using the robot, Fastbrick Robotics says it is possible to build the walls of a standard residential house in just two days.
Fastbrick Robotics' Hadrian X robot has been in development for 10 years and cost $7 million. With the robot, the company aims to respond to the shortage of bricklayers in Perth, Australia, home to Fastbrick Robotics. The company indicated in 2015 that the average age of masons in Perth is rapidly increasing, as there is hardly any new influx into the market. This, according to Fastbrick Robotics, threatens a shortage of masons.
30-metre-long robotic arm
Hadrian X is to make up for this shortfall by automating masonry work. The robot is equipped with a 30-metre-long robotic arm, which allows it to place bricks in a wall at any location without having to move the robot to do so. Mounted on a truck, Hadrian X can be driven to any location relatively easily.
The robot is programmed using The Architectural Designer (TAD), an add-on for the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software. This allows developers to create a 3D model of a wall in SOLIDWORKS, after which Hadrian X can automatically brick that wall.
Pilot project in Perth
A pilot project with the Hardian X was previously carried out in Perth. Fastbrick Robotics, in collaboration with the company Archistruct Builders & Designers, built a residential house using the robot. This used a special type of brick that hooks together, requiring mortar to be applied only to the top and bottom. Fastbrick Robotics reports that this technique also ensures higher thermal efficiency of the house and a stronger structure. The animation below shows the Hadrian X in action.
Caterpillar now announces it is putting $2 million into Fastbrick Robotics. The company has an option to invest another $8 million in the Australian organisation at a later stage. In addition, Caterpillar and Fastbrick Robotics will work together to market the Hadrian X as a commercial product. To this end, the companies have signed a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU can be extended.
Developing business model
As part of the collaboration, a strategic council will be formed that includes representatives from both Caterpillar and Fastbrick Robotics. This council will develop a framework for cooperation between the two parties around the development, production and sale of Fastbrick Robotics' technology, as well as services that will be offered around the Hadrian X. The council will also develop business models for different countries and regions. Caterpillar will be Fastbrick Robotics' exclusive development partner for the duration of the MoU.
It is not known when the parties plan to launch a commercial version of the Hadrian X.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Caterpillar
Source: Fastbrick Robotics
