Amsterdam based MX3D has developed a robotic 3D printer that is capable of 3D printing a metal structure in the air, with the company planning to build a bridge over a canal in the centre of Amsterdam.
The project is a collaboration between MX3D, software giant Autodesk and construction company Heijmans, and it is expected to be completed by 2017.
The 3D-printing robot will start on one bank of the canal and will slowly make its way over to the opposite side by 3D printing a bridge.
The Dutch company is using a multi-axis industrial robot and equipping it with 3D printing tools. The company will also develop software that will enable the robot to print metals, plastic, and combined materials.
According to MX3D, the robot will be able to create complex structures of durable material in a cost-effective and scalable manner.
MX3D CTO Tim Geurtjens said: "What distinguishes our technology from traditional 3D printing methods is that we work according to the ‘Printing Outside the box’ principle.
"By printing with 6-axis industrial robots, we are no longer limited to a square box in which everything happens. Printing a functional, life-size bridge is of course the ideal way to showcase the endless possibilities of this technique."
