Caterpillar spins $2M to invest in robot bricklaying technology

Australian company Fastbrick Robotics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with construction giant Caterpillar to take its Hadrian X 3D-printing robo builder from the drawing board to the masses.

According to Fastbrick Robotics, the Hadrian X is capable of laying 1000 bricks per hour and building an entire house in just two days.

The technology took 10 years to develop and is now one step closer to commercialisation thanks to a $2 million investment by Caterpillar.

The MOU will see the two parties discuss a potential framework for collaboration regarding the development, manufacturing, sales and services of Hadrian X.

Fastbrick Robotics Managing Director, Mike Pivac, says the company is delighted to welcome Caterpillar as a new shareholder.

"Caterpillar is a globally recognised industry leader, and we look forward to collaborating with the company and uniting our teams to share ideas, pursue innovation and explore opportunities to commercialise our unique technology," he says.

The MOU has an initial 12-month term, which can be either extended by mutual written agreement or terminated by either party at any time. Fastbrick Robotics has also agreed to deal exclusively with Caterpillar for the development of its innovative bricklaying technology.

Subject to approval by Fastbrick Robotics shareholders, Caterpillar will also earn the option to invest a further $US8 million ($A10.4 million) in the technology at an issue price of $A0.20 per share.

The public should expect to see the Hadrian X building its first houses in a demonstrative capacity in early 2018.