Construction robotics company FBR (ASX: FBR) is set to expand the building capabilities of their Hadrian X bricklaying robot through a trial with global bricks manufacturer Xella with the aim of creating more building opportunities by adapting to different types of blocks.
Headquartered in Germany but as one of the world’s largest manufacturer of building products, Xella will supply FBR with Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete blocks (AAC) and Silka calcium silicate blocks (CSU) under a Pilot Program. Once received, FBR will calibrate the Hadrian X to the dimensions of Xella’s blocks with the aim of building houses at their Australian facility.
“We are very pleased to be working with another high quality block supplier with global reach as we continue to commercialise our automated bricklaying technology,” said FBR Managing Director, Mike Pivac.
“Xella are known for their innovative products, and we are looking forward to working with them to progress the global scaling of the Hadrian X.”
AACs are large format concrete blocks while CSUs are a sustainable, low-energy weatherproof block that are widely used around the world. At the conclusion of the Pilot Program. FBR is hoping to have better understanding of adoption of Xella bricks which may lead to commercial opportunities for Hadrian X in Europe.
Through this Xella trial and others, FBR is planning to build on a productive 2020 which saw the Hadrian X lay the walls to a display home in July, highlighting its capabilities to the public. The year also saw advancements in Hadrian X which achieved peak lay speed of over 200 blocks per hour which is the equivalent of 2,200 standard bricks using manual labour.
2021 has been flagged as a year of international expansion for FBR, which will establish WaaS® operating entities in Europe, North America, United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia in preparation for deployment.
FBR has trademarked the term Wall as a Service®.
Alfred Chan is an Analyst at Emerald Financial, specialising in ASX-listed small cap companies.
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