Waterloo, May 10, 2019 – AMIDA 3D announced today the signing of a contract with the University of Waterloo for the development of an innovative concrete building system that will use robotic-controlled 3D printing to build concrete structures such as houses, utility buildings and livestock enclosures on location.
The computer designed and aided concrete printing system will deliver a very high degree of accuracy from building plans to realized structure; what you see on the screen is what you will get on site. 3D concrete printing systems facilitate unique or custom designs and will permit changes right up to printing, providing adaptability to address local challenges, preferences and design considerations.
The ground-breaking technology is being developed by a team led by Waterloo’s Professor Khajepour, Canada Research Chair in Mechatronic Vehicle Systems.
“The key feature is its mobility allowing it to be moved easily from one construction site to another without any need for installation infrastructure. The robot can adapt itself automatically to print any structure with small or large footprints. The robot’s self-calibration and automatic coordination allow it to easily convert a design in a computer to a house on the ground,” – Professor Khajepour.
“There are a number of other companies worldwide that are working on technologies to address this very high potential market,” – Bora Bulajic, President of AMIDA 3D. “We have reviewed what is currently available in the marketplace and are convinced that the system envisioned by Waterloo Professor Amir Khajepour is a superior solution to what is currently on the market and will provide us with significant competitive advantages.”
A concrete, 3D printed building has many benefits over traditional construction. Current estimates indicate that the shell of a 3D printed house would cost 40 to 60 per cent less to construct than the shell of a traditionally built house and can be constructed in a matter of one or two days. 3D printed houses can be designed to address climate differences and provide an ideal solution for the varied and diverse requirements of communities in Canada’s remote and Northern regions.
“When 3D concrete printing technology takes off there will be a race to adopt it and to profit from it,” – Stuart Butts, Chair of the Board, AMIDA 3D. “The signing of this development contract and the due diligence and vision that brought it forward puts us solidly in that race.”
In addition to using traditional concrete formulations the partnership will consider the use of other materials as the project proceeds.
About AMIDA 3D
AMIDA 3D is a Canadian company that is pioneering the development of 3D printing for concrete structures. Its goal is to create world-class 3D printing technology that will advance the construction industry in Canada. AMIDA 3D is committed to creating superior 3D printed structures that are cost-efficient while addressing climate change, extreme weather and the specific needs of local communities.