Robotic technology company FBR Limited (ASX:FBR) has kicked off a Building Pilot Programme Agreement with GP Vivienda, the housing division of Mexican construction giant Grupo GP.
The Agreement represents the next stage of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement between FBR and GP Vivienda.
FBR’s Managing Director and CEO – Global, Mike Pivac, said the Building Pilot Programme Agreement between FBR and GP Vivienda consists of three stages.
The first stage is a Pilot Programme stage under which FBR will supply WaaS (Wall as a Service) for between one and five house structures on FBR premises using a range of designs supplied by GP Vivienda, along with the use of FBR’s Hadrian X bricklaying robots.
In the Block Testing stage, which occurs in parallel to the Pilot Programme stage, GP Vivienda and FBR will work together to test the performance of FBR’s adhesive with concrete blocks that are commonly used in Mexico. The Block Testing Stage will continue for at least six months, unless otherwise agreed between the parties.
In the Collaboration stage, which occurs during and for up to three months after the Pilot Programme stage, GP Vivienda and FBR will consult to collate and assess the learnings from the Pilot Programme Stage and the Block Testing Stage and identify, scope and schedule the next steps in the Strategic Collaboration Agreement.
Mr Pivac said FBR sees its Hadrian X robotic system as part of the solution to Mexico’s acute shortage of well-constructed affordable homes, with a deficit of approximately 8.3 million affordable homes in the country.
“Our market analysis has indicated a theoretical need for approximately 700-750 Hadrian X robots to replace all bricklaying labour in Mexico, so the commercial opportunity is significant for the company.
FBR and GP Vivienda will work collaboratively to explore market entry strategies in Mexico. I am also pleased to say that our second Hadrian X prototype is now building house structures, giving us the opportunity to work with different design styles and materials by operating two Hadrian X robots at the same time.
“This will accelerate our testing programme and allows us to work with a broader range of builders right now as we introduce the Hadrian X to the world.”
GP Vivienda Strategic Manager, Andres Garza, said his company is pleased to be advancing its Strategic Collaboration Agreement with FBR through this Building Pilot Programme.
“GP Vivienda and the broader Grupo GP continue to drive innovation in the Mexican construction industry, and we look forward to introducing FBR’s disruptive technologies to the Mexican affordable housing sector.”
