FBR Ltd (ASX:FBR) has executed a pilot program agreement with German company Xella Technologie und Forschungsgesellschaft mbH to construct houses at FBR’s premises using aerated concrete blocks and calcium silicate blocks.
The Australian Pilot Program will utilise FBR’s Hadrian X® bricklaying robot and Xella building products.
This will enable both companies to develop a practical understanding of the capabilities of each other’s products within the limitations of economic conditions and travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innovative products
Xella is a multi-billion-dollar international business that specialises in the manufacture and supply of innovative building products, including Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete blocks (AAC) and Silka calcium silicate blocks (CSU).
Ytong’s AACs are large-format concrete blocks constructed to a high dimensional accuracy which are potentially very well suited to be laid by the Hadrian X®.
Silka CSUs are a sustainable, low energy, sound absorbent, low compression, non-combustible, weatherproof building block in common use throughout the world.
Commercialising technology
FBR’s managing director and CEO Mike Pivac said: “We are very pleased to be working with another high-quality block supplier with global reach as we continue to commercialise our automated bricklaying technology.
“Xella is known for its innovative products, and we are looking forward to working with them to progress the global scaling of the Hadrian X®.”
Bricklaying robot
FBR designs, develops and builds dynamically stabilised robots to address global needs. These robots are designed to work outdoors using the company’s core Dynamic Stabilisation Technology® (DST®).
The first application of DST® is the Hadrian X®, a bricklaying robot designed to build structural walls faster, safer, more accurately and with less wastage than traditional manual methods.
Pilot program
As a part of the pilot program, Xella will deliver a number of AAC and CSU blocks to FBR, which FBR will use to construct at least two buildings at FBR’s premises using the Hadrian X®.
After completion of the program, FBR and Xella will consult with one another on any changes to the AAC or CSU blocks, adhesives or the Hadrian X® that may be beneficial to progress the commercialisation of the Hadrian X® with Xella blocks in Europe, as well as a European pilot building program.
