An innovative robotic truck, equipped with a 105-foot telescopic boom arm, has made its way from Australia to Florida.
The Hadrian X, developed by robotics company FBR, gained popularity with its prototype in 2015, capable of building a full-sized house in just two days. The latest version of Hadrian X can stack 500 USA-format masonry blocks per hour at top speed.
The robotic truck operates by loading pallets of blocks, which are then sent down a chute, coated with quick-dry construction adhesive instead of mortar, and precisely placed by a gripper at the end of the boom arm. This arm’s length allows it to construct buildings up to three stories tall. It can work around the clock, unaffected by the need for rest or adverse weather conditions.
Hadrian X’s arrival in Florida is the beginning of a joint venture between FBR and CRH Ventures Americas, Inc., a subsidiary of one of the largest concrete block suppliers in the US, CRH plc. The initial phase involves a site acceptance test at a facility in Fort Meyers, Florida, to demonstrate the robot’s capabilities. If successful, Hadrian X will proceed to build five to ten single-story homes as part of a demonstration program. This partnership could lead to FBR becoming CRH Ventures’ exclusive “Wall as a Service” provider in the United States.
“We have set a clear strategy for the Company to enter the United States market, and we will be doing so with the assistance of one of the largest concrete block manufacturers in the country,” said FBR Managing Director and CEO, Mike Pivac.
“We are excited to arrive in a new international market to showcase the capabilities of our technology and commence our scaling plan with the financial and operational support of one of the world’s leaders in building materials production.”
