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For all of robotic block-laying technology company FBR's (ASX: FBR) forays with global companies like Caterpillar, Liebherr and CRH Ventures that failed to deliver on lofty hopes, the group has struck a commercial deal to sell machines to a domestic residential and commercial builder, Habitat NT.
The domestic breakthrough follows a deal announced yesterday with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to conduct research into how its technology can be applied to shipbuilding.
FBR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Habitat NT to supply the builder with its Hadrian X robots for the construction of Besser-block structures in and around Darwin for residential homes and defence infrastructure.
The MoU contemplates an initial purchase order for one unit at a cost of $7.8 million - a price that is subject to finalisation of the agreed machine specifications and options.
This order alone compares to FY24 revenue of less than $1 million for the Perth-based technology developer and manufacturer, and just $1.6 million the year prior.
The parties are looking at a staged transaction that will start with an information exchange process around the technology itself and the wall system it constructs, and how Habitat plans to deploy the technology with its structure designs and construction methods.
If FBR and Habitat NT enter into a binding definitive agreement, the builder would pay a deposit of $780,000 within two weeks of execution, with the remainder payable within 30 days of successful completion of factory acceptance testing.
FBR would provide a minimum 12-month warranty from the date of delivery, and would provide training to Habitat personnel in Perth on operating and maintaining the Hadrian X.
The Perth-based group would also provide remote IT and operating/maintenance support under a future service level agreement, and would provide licensed access to all ancillary software including TAD, FBR’s proprietary architectural software.
Habitat NT currently has a substantial pipeline of construction work for the next three years amidst a significant housing shortage in the territory, where there remains a substantial deficit in the capacity to supply new housing at the rate required to meet the forecast housing needs.
The HomeGrown Territory Grant was launched in 2025, offering $50,000 for first-home buyers to put towards building or buying their first home in the Northern Territory, which has boosted the market for the construction of new housing.
In addition, major infrastructure upgrades are occurring at the Robertson Barracks to the east of Darwin, and significant construction works are ongoing as part of the Bradshaw Training Base upgrades.
"Darwin and the broader Northern Territory are currently experiencing a construction boom, with NTG first home owner grants, Defence and mining pushing the construction sector into overdrive," says Habitat's managing director Paul Winter.
"Whilst the NT can handle the workload, one key trade, 'blockies', are struggling to keep up with demand.
"Our primary construction method to external walls is 190mm Besser block, with reo and core fill to handle the tough cyclonic conditions of Northern Australia."
Winter says the Habitat team is looking forward to seeing the robot in action.
"I’m sure once it starts the streets will be packed full of trades and 'tourists' watching the machine do its thing," he says.
"We believe the inclusion of the Hadrian automated robotic block laying machines will help us deliver mums and dads homes and assist Defence to achieve their goals to further enhance infrastructure."
FBR CEO Mark Pivac says he looks forward to a successful long-term relationship with the builder.
"It is exciting to be selling a Hadrian X robot into the Northern Territory market to help solve the housing crisis. Habitat is an innovative and proactive builder well positioned to operate Hadrian X," says Pivac, who took over the leadership role from his cousin and fellow co-founder Mike Pivac this year.
The leadership shake-up was part of a plan to tighten the purse strings and address the company's loss-making position, with head count and salary reductions. FBR's reduced team of 25 is working in consolidated operations that have gone from two properties down to just one.
The latest news follows yesterday's announcement that FBR had executed an engineering service agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to deliver the first phase of a shipbuilding automation project.
Phase 1 will see FBR develop and conduct a physical demonstration and validation of a core technology module of a shipbuilding construction robot, with anticipated completion in five months or less.
Upon execution of the agreement, the two parties entered into a 10-year exclusive dealing relationship for the materials to be delivered in phase 1.
FBR will be paid US$150,000 ($230,000) plus reasonable expenses and any additional fees incurred on a time and materials basis.
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