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Robot printed bridge receives European innovation prize

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Pien Niehe Pien Niehe Europe Press Office,Amsterdam
4 June 2018

Amsterdam’s robot printed steel bridge has been awarded the European Commission’s prestigious STARTS Prize 2018, which champions innovative projects at the interface of science, technology and art.

STARTS recognizes digital transformation projects that have the potential to contribute to economic and social innovation. The 3D-printed pedestrian bridge is the product of the innovative collaboration of Dutch technology startup MX3D and designers Joris Laarman Lab. With Arup involved as lead structural engineer, MX3D created intelligent software that transforms welding machines into 3-D robotic printers to produce a fully functional steel bridge.

The pedestrian bridge, which is earmarked for completion towards the end of the year, will then be installed on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, in Amsterdam’s  red light district. The bridge will be equipped with a sensor network, allowing the partners to gather data which will be used to build a Digital Twin. This digital twin will be used to develop a new design language for the MX3D Technique.

MX3D Bridge
MX3D Bridge
MX3D Bridge
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Top view on the printed bridge. ©Joris Laarman
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This project is not only great in engineering and design but also generates discussion about the future of design and construction. (..) The project innovates the type of materials and the techniques used, and presents a new kind of open collaboration (..) It defines data-driven algorithmic methods for evaluating the safety of the bridge and enabling the bridge to interpret its environment. ” STARTS European Commission

According to the jury, this bridge marks the beginning of a great urban transformation. There are many large-scale 3D-printing projects happening all round the world but this project has built something that works for people living in a large European city and is leading the way, the report says.

Watch this video to see how the bridge came to life.
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Embracing robotic construction techniques opens up a whole new dialogue in terms of what the built environment can look like in the future. We are delighted to be partners in this collaborative venture with other world-leading specialists, combining creative problem-solving with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. ” Matthew Vola Mathew Vola Director

To make this project come to life, MX3D has set up an innovative collaboration between a large group of partners: Autodesk, ArcelorMittal, Arup, Force Technology, Imperial College London, Air Liquide, ABB Robotics, Heijmans, Lenovo and Lloyds Register Foundation. The public partners are TU Delft, AMS Institute (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Studies) and the Municipality of Amsterdam. Sponsors are STV, Oerlikon, FARO and Plymovent. The Visitor Center is supported by the Dutch VSB Fund.

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The STARTS Prize award is a great honour for the effective collaboration between all the contributors of the MX3D Bridge project. Besides the wonderful outcome of the project, a functional 3D printed stainless steel bridge, the flexible, almost informal connection between creative, technological and governmental organisations can serve as an example for future innovative projects. ” Gijs van der Velden CEO of MX3D

This year’s STARTS prize winners can look forward to receiving a STARTS trophy and €20,000. The awards ceremony will be held at the Ars Electronica Festival on September 7, 2018 in Linz, Austria. The City of Amsterdam and the WAAG society will honour the winners during the ‘We Make The City’ VIP event, held at the Stedelijk Museum, 21st of June 2018.

MX3D Visitor Center is currently open, offering a great opportunity for professionals and the curious to see the printing process. For more information regarding opening times and support for visiting groups can be found on the MX3D website.