Robots, building, contour crafting, houses, usc

Contour Crafting: One Day House Printer, Our Only Hope

IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to a recent influx in the wolf population, little piggies in our community have been under strict curfew to avoid bloody dismemberment after dark. But now, wolves have adapted to "blow down" houses in the areas north and southeast of the Denny's Unlimited Bacon Breakfast Buffet–just off Route 49–that drives our local economy.

Should you find your house destroyed by high winds, there may be hope. USC's Contour Crafting Device can construct a new home out of dense liquid materials in as little as 24 hours. Two story dwellings seem out of the question, but beggars can't be choosers. In the meantime, we strongly advise you take immediate shelter at the Denny's Unlimited Bacon Breakfast Buffet, just off Route 49. Thank-you.

Video transmission after the jump.

– Mark Wilson

Print Your House [core77]

11:12 AM on Sat Feb 10 2007
By Mark Wilson
1,695 views
9 comments

Comments

jawzxy at 11:35 AM on 02/10/07
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That's a nifty device. But I'm sure the porn-like music of the video (especially with the "Ugh yeh"s at the end) has caused my roommate to raise his eyebrow.
brian1cj at 11:42 AM on 02/10/07
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Didn't I see this once before on the Giz?
djdare at 12:26 PM on 02/10/07
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Pretty sweet, wish work didn't block youtube, bastards.
ideaman2020 at 01:53 PM on 02/10/07
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Interesting? Kinda.

But... what about scale? It's one thing to be able to make some pottery, but how well can it craft things of wall-thickness and wall-height?

And I hate to be a hater, but what about electricity and plumbing?? Or would the last 30 seconds or so of the video imply that the walls are hollow and the electric/water infrastructure [and insulation] goes inside?

How sturdy is that goop after it dries?
eldrt001 at 03:42 PM on 02/10/07
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Is it me or is the first one a penis? Nah, wait! Just me
jjsonp at 07:43 PM on 02/10/07
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ideaman2020:

"The system calls for the insertion of structural components, like plumbing, wiring, utilities, and even consumer devices like audiovisual systems as the layers are built."
jjsonp at 07:44 PM on 02/10/07
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oops, forgot link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contour_Crafting

also, thick concrete/earthen walls have a higher insulation value than wood/paneling + fiberglass, so no additional insulation would be necessary.
reavers_ate_my_dvd at 05:54 PM on 02/11/07
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When did gizmodo start writing like woot?
ninjamurf at 02:06 PM on 02/12/07
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We've used a similar process to create small parts for printers for a few years now (stereolith). I allows for a HUGE range of design choices. We used to play around a lot with stuff that wouldn't really be possible to manufacture in mass quantities. This thing would be great for house design though. You wouldn't be "restricted" to straight walls and 90 degree angles. Ever notice how 99.9% of the houses you see have straight walls? That's because curved walls are hard to make. This thing would be a boon to architects and house designers. I'm looking forward to the day that I can have a nice, flowing, wave of a house that hugs the contours of the land and looks real purty!