Dubai’s DEWA inks contract for world’s first 3D-printed lab
Dubai-based construction and design firm Convrgnt to work on UAE’s first building fully 3D-printed on site
Dubai-based construction and design firm Convrgnt Value Engineering has won a contract to design and construct the world’s first 3D-printed laboratory building, it has been announced.
The building will also be the first to be fully 3D-printed onsite, following the award of the contract by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
A statement from DEWA said the laboratory will be built as part of the research and development centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and will conduct research on drones and 3D-printing technology.
“The construction of the 3D-printed lab at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park reflects our on-going efforts to achieve the directives of our wise government. The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy is a unique global initiative to use technology for the service of humanity, and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub for 3D printing technology by 2030,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
“We are extremely pleased with the award and even more so since this will be the first 3D printed laboratory in the world and the first 3D building in the UAE that is fully-printed onsite. 3D printed building technology is not only new to the Gulf but also the world and we are fortunate to be at the forefront with this project,” said Vibin Paul from Convrgnt.
“The building will be printed using a system of robotic arms at the desert location. The risks of working in an unshielded open environment have to be addressed and the logistics accurately controlled during the printing operation,” added Paul.
The laboratory will conduct research on 3D-printing technology to support DEWA’s ongoing projects. It will conduct research on the use of drones to develop the performance of photovoltaic panels.
The statement added that the drones and 3D-printing lab will include four sub-laboratories: the Electronics Lab, the Software Lab, the Mechanical Lab, and the Prototype Lab. The project will also include an outdoor-testing facility featuring a landing area equipped with sensors, and power, water, and data lines.
