The Netherlands builds a bridge with ... 3D printers

The Netherlands now has more than 1,200 bridges across the canal in Amsterdam, but the upcoming new bridge may surprise everyone, as it is built by robots with 3D printing technology.

Bridge construction by 3D printer

Reuters (USA) on June 15 said that the bridge project will depend entirely on 3D printing technology by robots , which means that the robot itself " draw " or otherwise print the material and build it even on the air. This technology was designed by MX3D , a 3D metalworking company based in Amsterdam.

Photo of the robot construction process - (YouTube screenshot)

" We have researched and developed a completely superior and economically viable robot technology , which enables us to print 3D objects in a variety of shapes," says MX3D. share on their site.

It is known that these robots will print out steel, using special arms to heat metal up to 1,500 degrees Celsius and then solder them to create a solid structure of the bridge. According to MX3D, all processes will be carried out at the construction site, and the robot will also be able to create its own track to be able to move over the water during the bridge construction phase.

Robot's arms are welding the bars together - (YouTube screenshot)

MX3D is now testing this robot printer and has created a large metal block is re-embedded with steel bars. This success created more motivation for them to confidently launch the bridge over the bridge.

Official drawings as well as construction sites will soon be announced by MX3D. This bridge will be designed by Joris Laarman, using Autodesk software. Heijmans Construction, ABB Robots, Amsterdam City Council and other partners will be involved in this project. It is expected that the pedestrian bridge will be completed by 2017.