Australian engineers from the companies Crest Robotics and Earthbuild Technology presented at the International Astronautical Congress, held in Sydney, a spider robot capable of constructing a 200 square meter building in just 24 hours.
In terms of materials, “Charlotte”, as its name suggests, uses sand, rubble and various construction waste collected on site. Using 3D printing technology, he turns loose materials into durable walls. The material is held together with a special compound and compacted.
According to Earthbuild Technology CTO David Chen, “traditional construction is too slow and expensive.” “Our system allows buildings to be built quickly, inexpensively and with minimal carbon emissions,” he said.
The companies claim that Charlotte can work both on Earth and the Moon using lunar regolith. That's why technological innovation was showcased at the space exhibition. The creators hope that their brainchild will be used in the construction of bases on the moon.
“Charlotte will be able to create domed shelters from lunar soil, which will be important for future colonies,” said Sarah Johnson, a Crest Robotics representative.
According to the developers, the robot is capable of replacing 100 construction workers. Thanks to its six legs, “Charlotte” can easily move on uneven terrain. The production module hovers above the wall construction site and continuously moves as work progresses.
Currently, there is only one working prototype of the construction robot. After some modifications, it will be tested in the field before the end of the year – the house will be “printed” on the outskirts of Melbourne.
