World's first 3D-printed steel footbridge unveiled in Amsterdam

Construction technology continues to evolve, including the creation of a variety of infrastructure, including three-dimensional (3D) prints. Now, the world's first 3D-printed steel structure, a'living laboratory' bridge, has been unveiled by a robot in Amsterdam. This pedestrian bridge with smart sensors will replace the old bridge under external restoration for the next two years. The 3D-printed footbridge, which is over four years in the making, is the result of a unique collaboration between MX3D, software company Autodesk, chief engineer Arup, steel giant ArcelorMittal, the City of Amsterdam, and the University of Twente, among others. MX3D made this design possible by turning welding robots with intelligent software into industrial 3D printers.