Autonomous construction robot Zyrex set for 2026 debut
RIC Robotics plans to lease Zyrex for under $20,000 a month, offering a cost-effective solution to the industry.
Construction sites could soon see a dramatic change with the arrival of Zyrex, a 20-foot-tall autonomous robot developed by RIC Robotics in California.
Designed for welding, carpentry, 3D printing, and material handling, Zyrex is being built to tackle labour shortages and improve safety on high-risk construction sites.
The company expects to complete a working prototype by early 2026, aiming to revolutionise the industry with a fully autonomous machine equipped with advanced cognitive capabilities.
Zyrex will initially be operated by human controllers using VR and simulators, while it gathers real-time data through LiDAR and visual sensors. By comparing this information to digital building models, Zyrex will ensure precision and quality before eventually transitioning to full autonomy.
Unlike humanoid robots, Zyrex is purpose-built for construction, focusing on both heavy-duty tasks and delicate operations like welding and exterior finishing.
Building on earlier successes, including the RIC-M1 Pro which helped 3D-print Walmart warehouse extensions ahead of schedule, Zyrex promises to be both powerful and cost-effective. RIC Robotics estimates the price to be under $1 million, with leasing options starting below $20,000 a month.
Founder Ziyou Xu describes Zyrex as ‘the future of construction,’ dismissing humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus as impractical for industrial work.
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