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Perth-based robotics technology company FBR (ASX: FBR) has put another notch in its belt today after announcing the completion of construction for its first two-storey building.
The structure was built on FBR's premises in a building style commonly found around the world in developing countries, including in key FBR markets such as Mexico, the MENA and GCC region and throughout Asia.
FBR managing director and chief executive officer Mike Pivac says the completion was a significant step in the commercialisation of FBR's robotic construction technology.
"In many parts of the world our customers want to be able to build two-storey structures safely, quickly and efficiently, and we have now demonstrated that the Hadrian X can deliver on those customer needs," he says.
"We have also taken this opportunity to demonstrate our ability to work a range of design elements like steel reinforced concrete columns, which may be required in certain geographies due to factors such as seismic activity, weather patterns or custom.
The latest complex comes a little more than a month after the Hadrian X knocked up another first, completing a commercial and community centre in Bayford, Western Australia.
This was the first non-residential building to be constructed by the bricklaying robot.
The company said it also demonstrated the robot's ability to work with design elements like steel reinforced concrete columns, suspended concrete slabs and rebar.
FBR also flagged the possibility of the Hadrian X melding into a team approach to building.
"In large greenfields developments it is likely the Hadrian X would continue building the first levels of the adjacent buildings in the development while the second storey slabs are formed and poured, before returning to build the second storey of each structure once the slabs have cured," it said.
The news put a shine on what has been a tough year for the construction group, after the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to a joint venture with Brickworks, news of which carved 25 per cent off FBR's share price back in June.
Because FBR is currently engaged in ongoing testing agreements, the company has continued to spend big without bringing in much revenue.
During FY20 the Perth-based group generated $492,907 and posted a loss of $9.3 million.
Today's announcement received a lukewarm response today, with shares stable at 5.6 cents each as at 2:45pm AEDT.
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