FBR (ASX:FBR) completed its demonstration program in Florida, demonstrating the capabilities of its Hadrian X robotic technology.
The program, conducted in collaboration with CRH Ventures, involved the construction of the exterior walls of nine homes using concrete masonry blocks supplied by CRH affiliates. One of the homes was completed in one day with only three workers on site.
Independent engineers have confirmed that all nine structures meet applicable building standards.
The robot
The Hadrian X is a truck-mounted robotic arm designed for large-scale construction. The robot works autonomously based on pre-programmed architectural designs.
The Hadrian X has the ability to lay bricks and blocks with millimeter accuracy and is equipped with FBR’s proprietary “Dynamic Stabilization Technology”. This allows the arm to automatically adjust to environmental factors such as wind and vibration, ensuring consistent performance.
The companies
FBR (which originally stands for “Fastbrick Robotics”) was listed in 2016. The first Hadrian prototype was built in 2005.
CRH Ventures is the venture capital arm of CRH Plc, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, operating in over 30 countries.
Next steps
Following the completion of the program, FBR received a payment of US$400,000 from CRH Ventures. The two companies also agreed to a 45-day window, beginning on January 2, 2025, for CRH Ventures to exercise its option to enter into an exclusive joint venture for FBR’s Wall as a Service offering in the US.
If the joint venture goes ahead, it will include an initial purchase order for 20 Hadrian X units valued at US$2 million each, backed by a US$40 million loan originated by CRH Ventures to support production and delivery of the units. Additional purchase orders for up to 300 units may follow as performance milestones are met.
FBR shares jumped 12.5% to 3.6 cents on the news.
