Cornell research shows that underwater 3D printing can be used to build or repair ocean structures in place — DARPA-funded project aims to make underwater construction faster, cheaper, and safer

Cornell University researchers have developed a method for underwater 3D printing to construct or repair ocean structures, aiming to revolutionize underwater construction by making it faster, cheaper, and safer. The project, funded by DARPA, involves using robot-based 3D printers and a specialized concrete mix made mostly from seafloor sediment. Overcoming challenges like washout, where cement washes away underwater, the team optimized material viscosity and pumpability. They also incorporated seafloor sediment into the concrete mix to reduce environmental impact. The team will showcase their technology in a DARPA competition in March to demonstrate its effectiveness in underwater construction.