SBIR/STTR Research Award
Mobile 3D Printing Construction Platform
Award amount
$74,994Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IAward year
2025Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Air Force
- Recipient company
- VITRUVIAN LLC
- Proposal award date
- 2025-01-14
- Contract end date
- 2025-04-17
- UEI
- HVUFRDUZHXU3
- Solicitation number
- X24.7
- Topic code
- AFX247-PCSO1
Research abstract
This project proposes to engage with stakeholders to fine tune the development of a mobile, automated 3D printing construction platform, designed to meet the U.S. Air Force’s infrastructure needs through rapid, efficient, and cost-effective deployment. The system, known as the Scorpion 3D Printer, offers unmatched mobility and versatility, making it ideal for challenging environments such as remote bases or disaster recovery zones. Weighing under 15,000 lbs and transportable in a standard 20-ft container, the Scorpion system can be deployed and set up within minutes, with minimal personnel required, thus addressing labor shortages and reducing logistical overhead.The Scorpion printer is capable of producing large, durable structures with complex geometries that meet the specific requirements of Air Force projects, such as load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, and resilience to harsh environmental conditions. By leveraging advanced technologies from Japan, Germany, and the U.S., the system delivers a unique combination of speed, precision, and scalability, capable of constructing up to 1,000 square feet of walls per day with minimal material waste.During Phase I, the primary focus will be on demonstrating the printer’s mobility and printing capabilities to airforce stakeholders, while gathering valuable feedback from Air Force stakeholders. This feedback will inform design modifications and ensure that the platform meets the operational requirements of the Department of Defense. The Scorpion 3D Printer’s potential to improve construction speed and efficiency has already been validated in civilian markets, including a $13M housing project in Ohio, further demonstrating its scalability and reliability for defense applications.The long-term vision of this project is to provide the Air Force with an adaptable, efficient, and sustainable construction solution, offering significant advantages over traditional methods in terms of cost, time, and labor requirements. The technology also shows strong potential for commercialization in non-defense sectors, such as disaster relief and remote infrastructure development, positioning it as a transformative tool in the global construction industry.
Technology keywords
Not reported
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