AICT brings its construction 3D printing technology

AICT (Advanced Intelligent Construction Technology) is bringing its robotics-based intelligent construction technology in the United States, with the opening of its new HQ in Torrance, California. AICT has already completed several high-profile construction 3D printing projects in China, including a large 3D printed park in Shenzhen.

“As a form of intelligent construction, 3D printing concrete construction technology boasts great advantages,” said Xu Weiguo, professor at the Tsinghua University School of Architecture, who led the technical support team.

With the combination of advanced robotics, high-performance materials, and parametric design, 3D printing technology has propelled intelligent construction from the laboratory to the industry. Users can input the digitally designed model into the software, which processes it into control signals for the robotic arm. The concrete mixture then reaches the nozzle at the front end of the mechanical arm through the extrusion device and is printed rapidly.

AICT has already used this technology for public projects. Recently, the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in southern China unveiled a 3D printed park with a total area of 5,523 square meters (59,449 square feet) with a greening rate of 88 percent. AICT used its construction 3D printing technology to produce sculptures, benches, flower beds, retaining walls, and curbs. The firm has made a 3D printed park that is not only state of the art in its construction but is aesthetically pleasing with an attractive, elegant, and futuristic look.

Faster and more affordable

A large percentage of construction costs is rising labor costs due to a shortage of skilled labor. Robotics-based technology empowers the labor force to be more productive, resulting in more efficient job sites, less building time, and overall cost savings. Using 3D printing, AICT can produce a modestly sized house in weeks rather than months. Builders using this technology finished the 3D printed park consisting of more than 2,000 concrete pieces in just two and a half months, at a fraction of the cost of conventional construction methods.

These reductions in time, personnel, and material costs can reduce overall production costs by as much as thirty percent. Logistical and planning costs are also much lower than with traditional building methods. “Compared with reinforced concrete, 3D printing is relatively cheap, since the building simulation stage will solve technical problems in advance and come up with the optimum construction method,” Xu added.

What’s more, robotic construction technologies like 3D printed concrete provide workers with a safer and healthier working environment because the robot does repetitive heavy lifting.

AICT brings its construction 3D printing technology to the US after completing a giant 3D printed park structure in Shenzhen, China
Sustainable and beautiful

3D printed concrete does not need formwork, usually made from wood and wasted after use. This method prints concrete only in the required places calculated by an algorithm, reducing the usage of carbon-heavy cement. In addition, the sand that makes up almost 50% of the concrete can be sourced locally, saving on transportation costs and carbon emissions associated with transportation.

AICT’s unique printing technology uses a light modular six-axis robotic arm-based system rather than a conventional three-axis, heavy, large-scale gantry system. In addition, the system’s proprietary building material outperforms traditional concrete, producing far more diverse and fluid shapes at no additional cost. This method allows for the creation of attractive and stylish design elements without the expense usually associated with premium designs.

“Intelligent construction is still in its infancy, but the digitization of the construction industry has bright prospects,” said Zhang Yu, an official with the construction bureau of Shenzhen’s Baoan district.

Benefits to the Public

AICT’s revolutionary technology does not limit its benefits to those seeking to build new homes. The 3D printing construction process allows for creating public works at a substantially reduced cost to the taxpayer. Cities, towns, and municipalities will be able to build attractive and welcoming public parks and other recreation areas at a fraction of the usual price. Local governments will be able to construct vital recreational facilities affordably in under-served neighborhoods and communities, providing much-needed health benefits to the public.

Together with other major players such as ICON (originally from the US) and COBOD (originally from Europe), AICT is now at the forefront of making the benefits of this technology available to the American public.