Ukrainian startup Lemki Robotix, in collaboration with German 3D printing company iSCALE 3D and Czech-based Zeykan Robotics, has successfully developed the world’s first fully autonomous off-road robot 3D-printed from recycled materials. This proof-of-concept product made its debut at the 3D Printing Expo in Lyon, France, showcasing the breakthrough application of large-format 3D printing technology in mobility and logistics solutions.
A New Paradigm for Distributed Manufacturing
Vasil Gonar, Director of Lemki Robotix, stated: “This robot demonstrates that large-scale 3D printing will reshape the landscape of future mobility, automation, and distributed production. Its design supports global localized manufacturing, ensuring quality consistency while reducing carbon footprints.” The team plans to promote autonomous logistics through a distributed manufacturing network to minimize environmental impact.
All-Terrain Operation Platform
As an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), the robot features multiple application scenarios:
- Military logistics support
- Search and rescue missions
- Infrastructure inspection
- Precision agricultural operations
- Material delivery in remote areas
Its innovative design includes:
- A body 3D-printed from glass fiber-reinforced recycled PP
- Hollow airless tires composed of carbon fiber-reinforced PA hubs and recycled PU tire bodies
- A special buoyancy structure enabling paddle-wheel movement on water
- A maintenance-free design that completely eliminates the risk of tire blowouts
“In harsh environments, traditional pneumatic tires have become a fatal weakness for UGVs,” Lemki Robotix emphasized on social media. “Airless tires are not a trend but a necessity in military, agricultural, and rescue robotics – they can significantly improve platform survival rates, reduce operational costs, and achieve true all-terrain autonomy.”
Intelligent Navigation System
The robot is equipped with:
- A 360-degree panoramic camera system
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
- Starlink satellite communication module
- Onboard neural network control system
Even in areas with no GPS signal, it can maintain fully autonomous operation or manual remote control, easily handling complex terrain and water obstacles.
The Wave of 3D-Printed Robots
This product is the latest representative of the innovative wave of 3D-printed robots:
- In 2021, Austrian company Printstones launched a multi-functional construction robot integrating over ten functions such as 3D printing, welding, and spraying.
- In 2024, an Italian-French joint team developed a snake-like robot capable of autonomous “growth,” which extends its tubular body by real-time extrusion of PLA materials.
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