Robotic technology company FBR Limited (ASX: FBR) has advised that its flagship next-generation Hadrian X® has successfully built its first compliant structure outdoors with large US-format concrete masonry blocks, at an average lay rate of more than 240 blocks per hour across the entire structure.
The new peak-sustained outdoor lay speed record stands at 326 blocks per hour, surpassing the previous peak set during indoor testing. The lay speed is expected to be improved upon as outdoor testing work continues.
The next-generation Hadrian X® features a shuttle block delivery system that is capable of handling large blocks measuring up to 600mm x 400mm x 300mm and weighing up to 45kg. A longer boom reach allows the next-generation Hadrian X® to build structures of up to three storeys from the roadside.
FBR anticipates the combination of the optimal block for robotic laying and the expected lay rate increases as the next-generation Hadrian X® matures to enable the robot to complete the structural walls of a standard, single-storey house in a single day.
A video of the next-generation Hadrian X® completing an outdoor demonstration for international visitors can be found here.
“We are very happy with how the next-generation Hadrian X® is progressing in terms of accuracy, speed and reliability,” managing director Mike Pivac said.
“Our accuracy with the new functionality built into the next-generation Hadrian X® is impressive and our speed is already very commercially compelling but we believe we will still improve in that area as the technology matures and we complete some large-scale housing projects. Most pleasingly, we are demonstrating very strong reliability, which is critical to the deployment of the first next-generation Hadrian X® to the United States, where we will commence our first international operations.
“The Fastbrick Wall System® is already certified by the ICC and the Florida Building Commission under the Florida Building Code and there is significant demand for our technology in the United States that we wish to capitalise on as soon as possible.
“At this stage we expect to have the next-generation Hadrian X® on its way to the United States before the end of the first quarter of the 2024 calendar year. We will complete some further testing in the coming months and we will implement some additional already developed improvements before initiating our international expansion.”