RIC Technology has started the construction of what it claims to be the first fire-resistant Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Walnut, California. An ADU, a supplementary residence to the main house, can be an integral part of the primary building or a separate structure but must have its own entrance.
The innovative project uses a KUKA robot arm put on a mobile platform with a gantry to extrude concrete, offering a portable and cost-effective solution for rapid construction. While a larger gantry might provide more stability, the current setup makes construction speedier and cheaper.
What sets this innovation apart is its emphasis on fire resistance, a feature making it different from competitors using potentially flammable thermoset materials â so RIC Technology keeps it cool quite, literally.
Concrete, the material picked for ADU, boasts a high combustion point at 1500°C, surpassing that of other materials commonly used in construction. RIC Technology’s project is a possible breakthrough in constructing 3D-printed homes that are less susceptible to fires. Xu Ziyou, the founder and CEO of RIC Technology, predicts a broader application of their compact modular robotic 3D printer, hoping to overcome limitations of conventional gantry systems and enabling on-site construction in tight spaces like residential backyards.
