Robo-Builder

By building almost an entire house from just two materials, concrete and gypsum, the robots will eliminate the need for dozens of traditional components, including floorboards, wooden window frames and possibly even wallpaper. It may eventually be possible to use specially treated gypsum instead of glass window panes.

Engineers on both projects say the robots will not only cut costs and avoid human delays but liberate the normal family homes from the conventional designs of pitched roofs, right-angled walls and rectangular windows. The architectural options will explode. We will be able to build curves and domes as easily as straight walls. It involves computer-controlled robotic nozzles which pipe quick-drying liquid gypsum and concrete to form walls, floors and roofs.

Inspired by the inkjet printer, the technology goes far beyond the techniques already used for prefabricated homes. This will remove all the limitations of traditional building. Anything you can dream you can build.

Source: discover.comAdded: 20 February 2007