DARPA wants robots to 3D print concrete underwater to build and repair ports
DARPA is seeking industry and academic partners to develop autonomous robotic systems capable of 3D printing concrete underwater using local seafloor materials. The project aims to enhance the military's ability to rapidly repair and build maritime infrastructure in contested environments.
Why it matters
This technology could revolutionize maritime logistics and defense by enabling autonomous, on-site construction in remote or dangerous underwater locations.
US Navy sailors repair damaged port walls at Palau during a training event in 2024. Chief Builder Tyler Ault/US Navy DARPA wants to 3D print concrete underwater using seafloor sediment and seawater. The supporting tech could autonomously repair ports, seawalls, cables, and other maritime infrastructure. The military sees underwater construction as a potential advantage in contested logistics. The US military's research arm wants to find ways to 3D print concrete underwater to fix and build critical port infrastructure using seafloor sand and clay and ocean water. DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency , is asking civilian industry and academia for help solving what the agency has identified as "critical limitations" in underwater construction methods by using advanced maritime construction equipment and a mix of seawater and ocean sediments to build in shallow, shoreline waters and waters up to 100 meters deep.
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