Robotic Arm 3D-Prints Two-Story House

Icon’s latest 3D construction printer can construct two-story concrete buildings quicker and more cost-effectively than its previous Vulcan printer. This technology has been utilized to erect a 27-foot-high structure named Phoenix House, currently showcased in Austin, Texas.

Since debuting its inaugural 3D-printed house at the SXSW festival in Austin in 2018, Icon, based in Texas, has emerged as a frontrunner in the creation of 3D-printed structures. Utilizing its Vulcan 3D construction printer, the company has constructed over 130 homes throughout the United States and Mexico. Additionally, it has ambitions to construct the world’s largest 3D-printed neighborhood within its home state. Icon has also contributed to a NASA initiative, collaborating on the construction of a model habitat for Mars. Additionally, the company actively develops 3D-printed structures on the Moon, including landing pads, roads, and habitats, as part of Project Olympus.

Advancements in 3D Construction Printing: Introducing the Phoenix Printer

The company has recently made significant strides in the field of 3D construction printing with the introduction of its Phoenix printer. According to the Icon team, their aim was to design a 3D printer that offers easier setup and portability between sites, reduces the need for operators, and enhances efficiency for larger projects. The Phoenix printer differs from the company’s previous Vulcan model by integrating a sizable articulated arm mounted on a rotating base, instead of being fixed within a pillar and cross-beam framework.

Designing a 3D construction printer with a movable arm presented a key challenge in ensuring the precision required for building habitable structures. Icon addressed this challenge by developing a stabilization system to prevent the extruding nozzle at the arm’s end from swaying due to its movements or environmental factors like wind. This enhanced system not only improves mobility but also enables the printing of larger structures, including multi-story buildings such as Phoenix House.

As per the company’s statements, the updated Phoenix printer reduces costs by half compared to the capabilities of the Vulcan printer. Icon estimates that utilizing the system will incur expenses of approximately US$25 per square foot for wall systems, or US$80 per square foot for structures incorporating a foundation and roof. According to Icon, this could potentially result in savings of around US$25,000 for the construction of a standard American home.

Automating Construction with Robots and AI

“In the future, I foresee most construction being automated by robots, with AI systems managing construction-related data,” said Jason Ballard, Co-Founder and CEO of ICON. “This approach is crucial for cutting construction costs and time in half while creating higher-quality homes that better reflect inhabitants’ values.”

In line with this vision, ICON has launched Vitruvius, an AI-powered system enabling anyone to design homes compatible with the company’s technology.

“Vitruvius aims to translate human inputs into detailed architecture, plans, and budgets,” the company explained. “It allows users to design homes and generate floor plans, renders, and budgets in minutes.” ICON expects Vitruvius to produce complete construction documents and permit-ready designs by year’s end.

Read the original article on: New atlas

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