Robot can 3D print a building in 14 hours
Robot can 3D print a building in 14 hours by Kaya Yurieff May 2, 2017: 2:30 PM ET A giant robot can now 3D print a building. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a robotic system that built the basic structure of a building in less than 14 hours. The dome-like structure is 50 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. The prototype is essentially a vehicle with a large industrial robotic arm for reach, and a smaller arm for dexterity. Different tools can be attached to the smaller arm, such as a welding system or a spray head that shoots out building materials like foam. "With this process, we can replace one of the key parts of making a building, right now. It could be integrated into a building site tomorrow," said Steven Keating, co-author of a paper published in the journal "Science Robotics." Related: A Formula 1 team is 3D printing race car parts The technology could allow for faster, cheaper and more a...
