Check out this lengthy vid: it shows how one day you may just call-in giant robots to print out a new home based on a CAD model. Research into the concrete-jet printer is being carried out by USC, and their technology can already build up complex concrete structures using technology that’s half-CNC machine and half inkjet-like. They’ve just got funding from Caterpillar to further the research. Amazing stuff, especially when the team says it should be eventually be able to put together a 2,000-square-foot, two storey home in just a day, with all the wiring and plumbing automatically inserted too. Even NASA is interested, as this may be a good solution for building Moonbases. [The Register via Bot Junkie]
Dr S. Naarai
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 7:01 PMThis is a most genial advance in technology. It shows how basic concepts may prove lightning effects on everyday routines. The sheer simplicity of the process is astounding indeed. no doubt, this is the way to build and the way to go. Unfortunately, the drawbacks could be throwing workforce, labour and employment down the pit, thus creating havoc with multilevel implications both for industry and the job market. If petro-dollars get the red signal with this feasible technique, then it may well be a war of the concrete. Be warned!