Introduction to SPRINGBOARD®
The product is the first mobile 3D concrete printer which automates simple construction works, specifi-cally long elements, such as mass concrete walls, drainage ditches and kerbstones.
Unlike current 3D concrete printers, which are exclusively designed for buildings, the mobile robot brings the 3D printing technology to the whole construction site without footprint restrictions.
The developed technology targets construction process-related issues such as cost overruns, uncer-tainties and communication gaps, and labour-related issues such as safety concerns, aging workforce and labour shortage.
The focus is on the Scandinavian concrete construction industry. In 2023, there are 200,000 bricklayers and concrete workers, and it’s projected to need 20,000 more by 2030. The tasks addressed by the mobile 3D concrete printer represent a labour cost of DKK 1.8 billion in 2023.
Questions for sparring
For this SPRINGBOARD®, panelists are sought who can provide sparring in the following areas:
1. Go to market strategy: How to penetrate the market?
2. Definition of business model, from a hardware developer company perspective.
3. Financing roadmap – where to look for the money, and which steps to give in the following 18 months. - Secured funding: DKK 150k. Applied funding: DKK 750k (resolution early Nov.) Expected money needed for 18 months: DKK 6M
Industry: Automation, Robot-technology, Drones, Construction
Development stage: Proof of Concept
Region: Capitol
Competencies required:
- Automation
- B2B
- Financing, Funding & Raising Capital
- Business Models
- Management
- Organizational Development
- Strategy and growth plans
This Springboard will be held in English.
The company
This company develops construction-specific automation tools taking advantage of progress in robotics from sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
What problem does it solve?
The main problems that the developed technology target are:
i. Cost overrun and uncertainties: Increasing efficiency and productivity is essential for improving profitability.
ii. Communication gaps: Bridging the gap between office and construction sites to instantly adjust to design changes can prevent additional costs.
iii. Safety concerns, aging workforce and labour shortage: Construction sites are inherently risky and may involve working in adverse conditions, so ensuring the safety and well-being of work-ers is a constant concern.
The product
The first robot will automate simple concrete tasks targeting the construction of non-reinforced ele-ments such as long mass concrete walls, drainage ditches and kerbstones.
Business model
The company is currently deciding between -but not limited to- two options: providing a service where they build specific elements on-site using their robots, or selling/renting the robots to construction companies as products.
Customers
Construction companies that i) perform on-site concrete works, and ii) are open to innovate.
The market
The company’s initial focus is on the Scandinavian concrete construction industry. In 2023, there are 200,000 bricklayers and concrete workers, and it’s projected to need 20,000 more by 2030. The tasks addressed by the mobile 3D concrete printer represent a labour cost of DKK 1.8 billion in 2023, ex-pected to increase by DKK 160 million by 2030
Competitors
The main competition for the developed technology comes from traditional construction methods, which will remain viable as long as skilled labour remains available.
Other competitors might be existing 3D technology developers, whose technology has been devel-oped for 3D printing of buildings. To avoid competition, this company targets construction beyond buildings, which the current 3D printers don’t reach.
Growth potential / goals
Starting with the Scandinavian market, where the labour cost is the highest in Europe, the idea is to develop the technology to jump to Germany, France, Spain and Italy when the product chain becomes cheaper and the technology more efficient.
Team
The team comprises four members and a fifth will join in the coming weeks. i) A construction engineer (PhD) with three years of experience as a building site manager is leading the Startup with the support of ii) a university professor with 18 years of experience in concrete technology, iii) a software engineer with a background in electronic engineer and iv) a sales manager currently enrolled on business educa-tion. The fifth member will be a mechatronic engineer.
Finance / financing
DKK 150K have been secured, and DKK 750k are pending for approval. One team member (i.e., the construction engineer) works full-time for the company.
Status
The initial prototype is being refined with help from construction firms, and it will be tested with a partner company in late Q2 2024. The product should be market-ready by the end of 2024.
