# Robot-Crafted Concrete Molds 'Mesh Mould Metal' Enables Plasticity in Concrete Shaping By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh-mould-metal References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/792079/amazing-robotically-fabricated-mesh-revolutionizes-how-concrete-is-formed-and-reinforced) & [gramaziokohler.arch.ethz.ch](http://gramaziokohler.arch.ethz.ch/web/e/lehre/316.html) The discovery of concrete allowed for a drastic reduction in building costs compared to its predecessor, [brick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutina), however, before 'Mesh Mould Metal,' concrete could only be molded into relatively regular shapes for use in load-bearing buildings. With Mesh Mould Metal, though, Gramazio Kohler Research has created a system that gives architects far more flexibility in designing concrete structures. The system uses a robotic extrusion process to construct a polymer mesh that can house concrete. Through research into how concrete binds, the Mesh Mould Metal system's polymer mesh is shaped in order to maximize the load-bearing capacity of concrete that sets around it. As such, architects can input [complex, irregular shapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza) into the robotic process and remain confident that the completed [concrete slab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancora) will have structural integrity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robotic Concrete Molding:** The Mesh Mould Metal robotic system enables architects to input complex, irregular shapes into the robotic process for concrete molding. - **Flexible Concrete Shaping:** The Mesh Mould Metal system gives architects far more flexibility in designing concrete structures and allows for more complex and irregular shapes. - **Load-bearing Polymer Mesh:** The Mesh Mould Metal system's polymer mesh is shaped in order to maximize the load-bearing capacity of concrete that sets around it, offering improvements in structural integrity. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction:** The construction industry can benefit from the innovative Mesh Mould Metal system as it allows for more creative and complex concrete building designs. - **Architecture:** Architects can take advantage of the Mesh Mould Metal system to design unique concrete structures with greater flexibility and structural integrity. - **Robotics:** The Mesh Mould Metal system highlights innovative opportunities in robotics for concrete construction, offering potential for future automation in the industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Underwater Concrete Printing Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darpa-1.md) - [AI Construction Optimizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincrete.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomaterial Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cob-brick.md) - [3D-Printed Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-fire-pit.md) - [Energy-Saving Artistically Contoured Ceilings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contoured-ceiling.md) - [Coastal Concrete Building Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econcrete.md) - [Voice-Led Fabrication Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speech-to-reality.md) - [Mycelium-Growing 3D-Printed Scaffolds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-scaffold.md) - [3D-Printed Concrete Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chair-none.md)