RIC Robotics, a global leader in mobile 3D construction robotics, has announced the upcoming launch of Zyrex, the world’s first AI-powered Giantroid designed specifically for the construction industry. A working prototype of the 20-foot-tall robot is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Zyrex is engineered to perform a wide range of construction tasks, from heavy-duty material handling to more delicate work such as welding, assembling, carpentry, 3D printing, and exterior finishing. Unlike humanoid robots that replicate human appearance, Zyrex is purpose-built for construction environments. The robot features 26 degrees of freedom, an interchangeable tool module, and battery-powered operation with automatic battery-swapping capabilities, enabling continuous, mobile performance across complex job sites.
Equipped with LiDAR and visual sensors, Zyrex utilizes Vision-Language-Action (VLA) AI models to operate effectively in dynamic environments under human monitoring. RIC Robotics plans for Zyrex to eventually transition to full autonomy, aiming to address key challenges facing the construction industry, including labor shortages and safety risks. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the U.S. construction sector will require more than 439,000 additional workers in 2025 to meet demand. The industry also recorded the highest number of fatal workplace injuries in 2023, with 1,075 reported fatalities.
The development of Zyrex will proceed in two phases. Initially, operators will control Zyrex through VR and physical simulators while the system collects data from live construction sites. This information will be used to train VLA AI models, enhancing task execution and safety measures. In the second phase, Zyrex will operate autonomously, performing skilled tasks without direct human control.
Zyrex is expected to be competitively priced compared to previous attempts at large construction robots. RIC estimates the robot’s cost at under $1 million, with leasing options projected to start below $20,000 per month.
The new Giantroid builds upon RIC Robotics’ previous successes. The company’s earlier models, including RIC-M1 Pro, have demonstrated commercial viability. Notably, RIC-M1 Pro was used to complete two Walmart warehouse extensions, one in Tennessee and another in Alabama, finishing ahead of schedule while saving significant time and labor costs.
With Zyrex, RIC Robotics aims to deliver a scalable, efficient, and safer construction solution, expanding beyond 3D printing to a broader range of skilled tasks across industrial and commercial job sites.
