RIC Technology, a frontrunner in the field of robotic construction, introduced its latest innovation, the RIC-PRIMUS, marking a significant advancement in 3D construction technology. As a leading entity headquartered in Fontana, California, the company announced the debut of the RIC-PRIMUS last week, a construction robotic 3D printer designed to tackle projects of unprecedented scale.
This state-of-the-art machine, capable of printing three-story structures up to 32 feet in height, builds upon the technological foundations established by its predecessor, the RIC-M1 PRO. “RIC-PRIMUS is a monumental step forward for the 3D construction industry toward real commercialization,” expressed Ziyou Xu, the founder of RIC Technology and chief architect of the Robotic Construction Program. Xu highlighted the printer's potential to revolutionize construction by accelerating project timelines and reducing costs, which could herald a new era for 3D printing capabilities in both residential and commercial sectors.
In a nod to the successful implementation of its previous model, RIC-M1 PRO, the company noted its collaboration with Alquist 3D in 2024. The partnership culminated in the completion of a sizable 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot tall Walmart extension. Walmart plans to build over 200 new projects using RIC Technology's robots, with construction set to commence in February 2025. This planned expansion signals a growing industry demand for swift, economical, and sustainable building solutions - a demand that RIC Technology is poised to satisfy.
The RIC-PRIMUS's technical specifications reveal its impressive capabilities: a printing length of over 85 feet and a width exceeding 36 feet. This nearly doubles the dimensions of the RIC-M1 PRO, enabling the construction of sizeable three-story residential structures and complex wall systems. RIC Technology emphasizes that these advancements push the boundaries of what is conceivable in 3D construction for various applications.
Speed and agility are core attributes of the RIC-PRIMUS. With a printing speed of 200 millimeters per second and eight degrees of freedom, the machine can efficiently handle intricate printing jobs, including those involving existing structures like rebars and walls. Additionally, its modular and compact design ensures ease of use by requiring minimal setup time, clocking operational readiness within two to four hours and reducing the need for a highly skilled labor force.
Key to its versatility, the RIC-PRIMUS is equipped with a built-in ⅜ aggregate mixer pump, rendering it compatible with most industry-standard mixer pumps, and allowing it to utilize a range of materials such as concrete and mortar. This material flexibility accommodates both large, robust constructions and finer, detail-oriented projects. Furthermore, the system's real-time material quality control helps to minimize errors and maintain structural integrity.
RIC Technology is actively engaging with industry partners, including Alquist 3D and Cement Masons & Plasterers Local Union 528. The RIC-PRIMUS is set to demonstrate its capabilities in a live printing event at the World of Concrete 2025, using 3D materials supplied by Spec-Mix.
As the construction industry seeks more efficient and innovative methods, RIC Technology’s RIC-PRIMUS stands at the forefront, promising to reshape the landscape with cutting-edge 3D printing solutions. The company's commitment to pushing technological boundaries continues to garner attention and set new benchmarks for the future of robotic construction.
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