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3D Sand-Spraying Droids

The Stone Spray Robot Creates Intricate Castles

— August 5, 2012 — Tech
A new interesting form of architecture has been developed in the form of a 3D printer called the 'Stone Spray Robot.' This eco-friendly robot utilizes on site sand or dirt in combination with a binder component that holds the mixture together when it hits the surface and solidifies the sand.

Developed by a group of researchers consisting of Inder Shergil, Anna Kulik and Petr Novikov, with supervision from members of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, the Sand Spray Robot is unlike any other 3D printer robots because it can print in a multi-directional manner, even on some vertical surfaces.

Under the supervision of a computer operator that is connected to the robot, intricate sculptures and designs can be created in any form. With the added use of any kind of framework, designs become much stronger and usually take about an hour to solidify.
Trend Themes
1. 3D Printing Architecture - The Stone Spray Robot's multi-directional printing ability creates opportunities for 3D printing in architecture.
2. Eco-friendly Construction - The Stone Spray Robot's use of on-site sand or dirt and a binder component opens up opportunities for eco-friendly construction practices.
3. Virtual Design and Construction - The Stone Spray Robot's ability to create intricate sculptures and designs under the supervision of a connected computer operator presents opportunities for virtual design and construction.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The Stone Spray Robot's 3D printing ability opens up opportunities for architecture firms to create intricate and unique designs.
2. Construction - The eco-friendly and efficient process of the Stone Spray Robot presents opportunities for the construction industry to adopt less harmful and more cost-efficient practices.
3. Technology - The advances in technology that enable the creation and use of the Stone Spray Robot represent a significant opportunity for the technology industry to expand into new markets and applications.
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