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Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger and Fastbrick Robotics explore the future of construction
Global partnership agreement signed with Australian robotics company Fastbrick Robotics Limited
Vienna
(pta011/05.09.2018/09:10 UTC+2)
Initial step - development of customised clay block solutions for the Hadrian X construction robot
- First pilot project for Europe in planning phase
The Wienerberger Group, one of Europe's leading building materials producers, has signed a partnership agreement with Fastbrick Robotics Limited (ASX:FBR) ('FBR'), an Australian listed company focussed on robotic construction with clay bricks and blocks. The aim of the partnership is to develop, test and manufacture optimized clay blocks for FBR's Hadrian X construction robot. These will subsequently be used in a pilot project in Europe and launched in Wienerberger markets together with the Hadrian X upon successful completion.
Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG: "In times of digitalization, high demand for affordable housing and the prevailing shortage of skilled workers, the construction industry is facing major challenges. Together with FBR, we want to develop solutions based on the pioneering Hadrian X technology, which allows housing construction projects to be executed faster and more cost-effectively. Alongside these advantages, the technology requires fewer resources and is less labor-intensive. This cooperation is a further step in our strategy to offer our customers innovative products, services and solutions."
FBR designs, develops and produces dynamically stabilized robots for the construction industry. The construction robot Hadrian X was developed for outdoor work and uses a special technology developed by FBR called "Dynamic Stabilisation Technology", or "DSTTM". This enables Hadrian X to measure and compensate movements caused by wind, vibrations or counter-movements in real time, allowing for the fully automated construction of residential buildings with the highest precision and quality, while at the same time optimizing the use of materials. The assembly of the first Hadrian X was completed in summer 2018. The first robot is currently in the testing and commissioning phase.
Mike Pivac, CEO of Fastbrick Robitics Limited: "The Hadrian X is a technology that can revolutionize residential construction in many parts of the world. We are very happy to have found an excellent global partner in Wienerberger, the world's largest clay block manufacturer, to help develop clay blocks for our construction robot and to further scale our technology. This partnership will enable us to offer our customers unique clay block solutions tailored to their markets and also ensure a sustainable supply of blocks manufactured specifically for Hadrian X".
The first phase of the multi-stage partnership agreement primarily involves an intensive exchange of information between the two partners in order to develop optimised clay block solutions for the Hadrian X construction robot. Wienerberger and FBR will also assess business models to be adopted in selected markets ahead of a proposed pilot project in Europe.
A video on the partnership and of the Hadrian X construction robot from Fastbrick Robotics Limited can be found at https://wienerberger.com/en.
About FBR
Fastbrick Robotics Limited (ASX:FBR) designs, develops and builds dynamically stabilized robots to address global needs. These robots are designed to work outdoors using the company's core Dynamic Stabilisation Technology (DST(TM)). FBR is commercializing products for the construction sector together with DST(TM)-enabled solutions for other industries. To learn more, please visit www.fbr.com.au.
Wienerberger Group
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Terca) and the market leader in clay roof tiles (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Central and Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. With its total of 193 production sites, the Wienerberger Group generated revenues of Eur 3,120 million and EBITDA of Eur 415 million in 2017.
For further information please contact
Karin Steinbichler, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 1 601 92 - 10149 | communication@wienerberger.com
Klaus Ofner, Head of Investor Relations Wienerberger AG
t +43 1 601 92 - 10221 | investor@wienerberger.com
Wienerberger AG is a pure free float company, whereby the majority of shares are held by Austrian and international institutional investors. Additional information on the shareholder structure is provided under https://wienerberger.com/en/investors/share.
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| Emitter: |
Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria |
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|---|---|---|
| Contact Person: | Karin Steinbichler | |
| Phone: | +43 1 60192-10149 | |
| E-Mail: | communication@wienerberger.com | |
| Website: | www.wienerberger.com | |
| ISIN(s): | AT0000831706 (Share) | |
| Stock Exchange(s): | Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade) |