Hadrian X Makes its U.S. Debut in Florida, Partnering with New Century USA and Christopher Alan Homes to Accelerate Residential Construction Efficiency
Robotics company FBR (ASX: FBR) is on its way in the United States having demonstrated no ill effects on its bricklaying robot Hadrian X which travelled the Pacific Ocean from Western Australia to Florida in search of homes to build and audiences to dazzle.
Since arriving in Florida in July 2024, Hadrian X has now completed the structural walls for the first home. This project is part of a wider effort to showcase the technology’s potential in one of the world’s largest residential construction markets.
Partnering with Florida-based builders New Century USA and Christopher Alan Homes, the demonstration is the first international build completed by Hadrian X, marking a major milestone in the commercialisation of FBR’s technology. The walls constructed by the robot have been certified as compliant with design and building codes, underscoring the precision and efficiency of the system.
“We’re very proud to have completed our first residential structure in an international market,” said FBR Managing Director, Mike Pivac.
“Having the opportunity to present our world-leading technology to one of the largest addressable markets in the world has been very exciting so far, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our operations in the United States.”
What is Hadrian X?
Hadrian X is a bricklaying robot developed by FBR, designed to revolutionise traditional bricklaying by offering speed, safety, and accuracy. Built on FBR’s proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology (DST), Hadrian X automates the process of laying bricks, drastically reducing time, labour costs, and material wastage compared to manual bricklaying.
The robot uses a 3D model of the structure it is building, calculating the most efficient way to lay bricks and then executing the task with remarkable precision. Capable of laying 1,000 bricks per hour, Hadrian X can operate in outdoor environments, making it a game-changer for residential and commercial construction.
FBR offers its Wall as a Service (WaaS) model, which allows builders to order construction of walls on demand, with Hadrian X performing the work. The efficiency and sustainability offered by the robot align with growing industry trends toward automation and eco-friendly building solutions.
FBR’s Venture into the US Market
The US Demonstration Program represents FBR’s first venture into the American construction market, where the need for housing and construction efficiency is critical. Florida was chosen as the launchpad for this technology due to its high demand for new homes and its fast-growing population. The program involves the construction of walls for a series of homes by New Century USA and Christopher Alan Homes, two leading residential builders in Florida.
As part of the demonstration, FBR will construct walls for a total of seven homes across varying styles and sizes, showcasing the flexibility and adaptability of Hadrian X in real-world conditions. Upon successful completion of the program, FBR is set to receive US$400,000 from its partner CRH Ventures, who will then have the option to form a joint venture for the delivery of WaaS in the US.
FBR’s robotic technology aims to address several key challenges in the construction industry, including labour shortages, rising costs, and the need for faster, more sustainable building methods. By streamlining the bricklaying process, Hadrian X reduces construction times, improves safety by limiting human involvement in physically demanding tasks, and minimises material waste.
In their Preliminary Report for the Full Year ended 30 June 2024, FBR reported $2.36 million revenue which represented a 42% increase on the previous year. Over the same period, the Company logged a net loss after tax of $27.7 million.
Interest around their entry into the US market however, has buoyed investors with FBR successfully raising $12.5 million from investors at an Issue Price of $0.038 per share in August 2024.