Hadrian X, a truck equipped with a 32-meter robotic arm, has traveled from Australia to Florida, USA, to begin a project to construct 5 to 10 homes.
Robot bricklayer Hadrian X. (Video: FBR).
The arrival of Hadrian X in Florida is part of a project by FBR, a robotics company from Australia, in collaboration with CRH Ventures Americas, a subsidiary of CRH, one of the largest brick suppliers in the USA, as reported by New Atlas on July 16.
FBR unveiled the first prototype of Hadrian X in 2015. The improved version released in 2020 can lay 240 bricks, each weighing approximately 45 kg, in just one hour. Last year, FBR introduced a new Hadrian X robotic truck, capable of laying bricks at a speed of up to 500 bricks per hour.
Hadrian X operates by utilizing sensors and Dynamic Stabilization Technology (DST) to quickly adjust to wind, vibrations, and other environmental factors, allowing for precise positioning of objects from a distance. The truck’s integrated computer contains complete 3D CAD drawings of the house, and the DST system ensures that bricks are aligned and placed correctly.
The Hadrian X robot can operate almost 24/7.
The robot begins its work after workers load the brick storage racks onto the truck. Next, each brick is delivered down a slide on the robotic arm, where a quick-drying construction adhesive is applied instead of mortar, and then positioned using a clamp at the end of the arm. With its impressive length, the arm can construct buildings up to three stories high. Additionally, as a robot, Hadrian X does not require sleep or rest, even in adverse weather conditions, allowing it to operate nearly 24/7.
According to the plans of FBR and CRH Ventures Americas, Hadrian X will first undergo testing at a facility in Fort Myers, Florida, to demonstrate its capabilities. If successful, the robot will then construct 5 to 10 single-story homes as part of an evaluation testing program. Upon completion, the two companies will sign a longer-term agreement. This agreement could potentially lead to the purchase of 300 Hadrian X units to create entire neighborhoods built by robots.
