BEYOND BRICK: VERTICO’S CONCRETE 3D PRINTER TRANSFORMS CONSTRUCTION

The convergence of advanced robotics and 3D printing is ushering in a new era in construction and architectural design. At the forefront of this transformation is the Dutch company Vertico, which has established itself as a pioneer in offering innovative solutions that promise to change the way we imagine and build structures. Founded in 2017 and based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Vertico B.V. specializes in industrial and product design, with a distinct focus on robotic 3D concrete printing. Its founder, Volker Ruitinga, created the company with a clear mission: to create a new paradigm in design, architecture, and construction by breaking away from the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods. Vertico's cutting-edge technology turns visionary ideas into physical reality through innovative 3D printing applications. Vertico has developed a range of concrete 3D printers capable of meeting both large-scale construction needs and the demands of complex architectural design. Their systems enable an unprecedented level of design freedom, allowing for the creation of elements ranging from building walls and water tanks to detailed components such as columns, planters, benches, and artistic pieces. One of its most notable breakthroughs is the Solo Robot—an autonomous 3D printing system engineered to improve efficiency and flexibility on construction sites. This robot is suitable for both large-scale prefabrication and experimental architecture, as shown in projects like the Meraki Planters. In addition to the Solo Robot, Vertico offers other robotic configurations, such as the compact and user-friendly "EVA" system and the more robust "BETA" version mounted on a full track. Its most powerful and widely used model is a rail-mounted robot with a reach of 3.2 meters and the ability to print continuously over more than 10 meters—ideal for producing multiple large structures. Vertico’s technology is built on ABB robotic platforms and integrates a range of printheads, including the Standard and the Accelerator versions, enabling compatibility with various materials and construction techniques. When it comes to materials, Vertico supports concrete from any provider. Their printers can handle coarse materials with aggregates up to 8 mm for large-scale construction or finer 3 mm mixes for intricate designs. Users can opt to use Vertico’s proprietary blend of concrete and additives or create their own. The company also utilizes 1.2-ton bags of concrete and accelerators in the printheads to speed up setting times. Specific products like Sikacrete®-751 3D and Sikacrete®-752 3D are part of their material ecosystem, offering tailored solutions for additive manufacturing with concrete. Looking to the future, Vertico aims to remove the limitations of conventional construction by promoting more efficient, accessible, and creatively liberating technologies. Through tools like the Solo Robot and its broader product line, the company is committed to driving innovation, precision, and ease of use. By making 3D concrete printing more approachable and flexible, Vertico empowers architects, designers, and builders to bring their most ambitious visions to life with unprecedented freedom.