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Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology develop robotic 3D printer using recycled materials for low-cost, low-carbon housing.
Construction robots have been edging their way from concept to reality, but one new machine is pushing expectations of what automated construction could achieve. Named Charlotte, this spider-like robotic 3D printer is being developed to autonomously construct a 200-square-metre (2,150-square-foot) home in just 24 hours – the equivalent output of around 100 bricklayers working in unison.
Combining robotics with sustainable materials
Charlotte is the outcome of a collaboration between Australian startup Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology, the latter recognised for its low-carbon building material made from sand, crushed brick and recycled glass. By merging Crest Robotics’ automation and mobility expertise with Earthbuilt’s extrusion and compaction process, the two companies have created a system designed to print entire structures from locally sourced inputs.
The machine moves across a site on jointed legs, laying down successive layers of compressed Earthbuilt® material to form walls. This approach bypasses many of the complex and repetitive tasks of traditional building, such as rebar tying or panel assembly. Instead, Charlotte delivers a single, continuous process where the robot builds directly from the digital plan.
A prototype version has already appeared at exhibitions, drawing attention for both its terrestrial and extra-terrestrial potential. Its bio-inspired design and compact frame could eventually make it suitable for rapid deployment not only on Earth but also for future lunar research bases. Lightweight, foldable and capable of autonomous operation, Charlotte has been imagined as a candidate for constructing infrastructure in places too hostile or remote for conventional crews.
Addressing housing and carbon pressures
The immediate goal for Charlotte is to help ease labour shortages and reduce the costs that slow down housing supply. While the current focus is on simple floorplans, the promise lies in delivering affordable homes quickly and at scale. Earthbuilt® walls are claimed to be flood-resistant, fireproof and significantly cheaper to produce than those made from conventional ultra-processed construction materials.
By tapping into local soils and recycled aggregates, the Earthbuilt® process also shortens supply chains, trims emissions and avoids the carbon-heavy production of cement. In this context, Charlotte is being developed as one example of how automation and new materials may reshape construction workflows.
Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology are using Charlotte to test how automated, low-carbon construction methods might be applied to housing challenges on Earth and, eventually, to space environments.
See: Crest Robotics
