MIT scientists have designed a new robotic system that can 3D print the basic structure of an entire building, an advance that would make building houses a faster, less expensive process.
The building could be completely customised to the needs of a particular site and the desires of its maker. Even the internal structure could be modified in new ways, researchers said.
Different materials could be incorporated as the process goes along, and material density could be varied for optimum combinations of strength, insulation, or other properties.
Precision-motion arm
“Ultimately, this approach could enable the design and construction of new kinds of buildings that would not be feasible with traditional building methods, according to Steven Keating, from the MIT.
The system consists of a tracked vehicle that carries a large, industrial robotic arm, which has a smaller, precision-motion robotic arm at its end. This highly controllable arm can then be used to direct any construction nozzle.
