FBR and Liebherr to ‘commercialise’ the Hadrian X robot

Robotic technology company FBR has entered into a MOU with global pumping systems manufacturer Liebherr-Mischtechnik GmbH to ‘industrialise and commercialise’ the next generation FBR’s Hadrian X automated bricklaying robot.

The two plan to develop the Australian-developed system which has successfully built houses, apartments and commercial buildings for the global construction market.

However it is not clear whether the agreement will see manufacture of the Hadrian X move from Perth to an overseas location, or whether manufacture in Australia is envisaged.

German-based Liebherr-Mischtechnik is a division of equipment manufacturer Liebherr International Group which has a manufacturing footprint in Australia servicing the mining industry.

The two companies plan a two-year Phase 1 cooperation to ensure that the next generation Hadrian X is suitable for scalable industrialisation and commercialisation.

The primary goal is to ensure that the Hadrian X is designed for reliable, continuous operation in tough job site conditions throughout its economic life, and for manufacturing at the scale and cost necessary for serial production and full commercialisation.

This will include the selection and integration of major Liebherr-Mischtechnik components into the Hadrian X machine architecture, work on structural and mechanical design, control systems and automation, and design for manufacturing.

Following the execution by both parties of a long-term Manufacturing and Commercialisation Agreement, Phase 2 envisages the appointment of Liebherr-Mischtechnik as exclusive manufacturer of Hadrian X robots, joint commercialisation activities and intellectual property licensing.

Prerequisites for progressing to Phase 2 include reaching mutual agreement on the business plan, go-to-market strategy, customer service strategy and commercial viability of the Hadrian X in key markets and achievement of key performance targets.

Under the MOU FBR retains the right to manufacture its own Hadrian X prototype robot, and each party will bear their own costs.

Picture: FBR

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