The Hadrian X construction robot is on track to be fully assembled this quarter (Q2, CY18), with the most technically complex component of the build already constructed, tested and fitted. Since commencing the assembly phase in the March Quarter, the FBR team has grown to 140 employees and contractors to facilitate peak resourcing requirements for the complex process. This additional resourcing also ensures that FBR can continue to progress other strategic deliverables and operational milestones in parallel with the Hadrian X program.
FBR’s software team are presently completing the construction management software package (CMSP) required by the Hadrian X. This important software package is on track to be completed by the end of the current quarter (Q2, CY18). The software team also recently developed several new features for this software package, including a waste management system and the ability to create projects for two and three-storey applications for future testing.
Once the Hadrian X is fully assembled and its construction management software has been completed, FBR will then commence the strenuous testing process associated with applying its proprietary DST to the Hadrian X. This testing process will confirm that the DST meets the functional and technical requirements for the Hadrian X. The test results will also assist FBR in assessing DST’s applicability to other potential product solutions currently being considered.
After DST testing, the Hadrian X programme moves to a Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) phase. This testing process requires the Hadrian X to build structures in different configurations within a controlled factory environment. It has been designed to ensure that the Hadrian X can lay blocks in every combination, including routing and cutting, from slab to cap height, as required for building low rise residential and commercial structures. This testing process is presently scheduled to take several months.
Following FAT, the Hadrian X will then move outdoors for field testing in preparation for its first house build, a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom structure, known as Build1. Completion of Build1 is presently scheduled for the second half of calendar year 2018. All plans and preparations required for Build1, including the 3D CAD model design, have been completed and approved and slab preparations have now commenced for the Build1 structure.
Commenting on the progress made so far on the Hadrian X programme, CEO Mike Pivac said: “We are excited to be drawing closer to assembly completion and taking the Hadrian X outdoors for testing and Build1. This is the first time in history that a construction robot of this nature has been assembled and it’s a testament to the calibre of our team, that we are now nearing assembly completion. Given that the Hadrian X is just the first application of our proprietary dynamic stabilisation technology, we are looking forward to validating it with the Hadrian X in real-world outdoor conditions during the coming months.”
FBR has also designed and produced an optimised block for use by the Hadrian X, which is equivalent in size to approximately 11 standard house bricks and weighs less than 20kg. This block has been designed to optimise the performance of the Hadrian X, to reduce waste and for use with FBR’s construction adhesive which is used in the Fastbrick Wall System rather than traditional mortar. Formal testing and certification of Hadrian optimised blocks is well underway and returning very positive results. The Fastbrick Wall System is also presently undergoing testing in preparation for Build1.
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