Technology and Operation
Charlotte is a semi-autonomous robot with a modular, foldable design inspired by spiders, enabling it to navigate uneven ground and access hard-to-reach areas . It gathers raw materials and extrudes them into fabric sleeves, which are compressed to form strong building layers. This approach eliminates the need for traditional cement and bricks, significantly reducing energy use and emissions
• The process produces minimal waste and is digitally controlled, allowing precise and repeatable construction
• Charlotte is expected to build a 200-square-meter house in under 24 hours, outpacing conventional construction methods in both speed and required manpower—operating as fast as 100 bricklayers
Lunar Ambitions
Crest Robotics intends to adapt Charlotte for lunar construction by enabling the robot to use lunar regolith (surface dust and rock) as its primary material. The system’s adaptability and lightweight, foldable form make it ideal for transport on lunar missions, where traditional building materials and human labor would be prohibitively expensive.
• The lunar version aims to support future Moon bases and research stations, aligning with ongoing international efforts for sustainable space architecture.
• Charlotte’s terrestrial and lunar applications highlight a bold vision: using advanced robotics and digital manufacturing to revolutionize how and where humans build in the years to come
Partnerships and Progress
The project is a collaboration between Crest Robotics and Earthbuilt Technology, with government support from New South Wales. Having recently demonstrated a working prototype at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, the team is now seeking partners to further develop and scale the technology, both on Earth and beyond.
Charlotte represents a significant step forward in sustainable, automated construction and offers a glimpse into the future of building—on Earth and on the Moon.