Automation technology from ABB Ltd has enabled the rapid construction of Japan’s first 3D-printed railway station, completed in a single night. The project, delivered in partnership with Serendix and West Japan Railway Company, showcases how robotics and additive manufacturing can dramatically transform infrastructure development. By printing structural components off-site and assembling them between the final train of the night and the first train the next morning, the team avoided disruptions that typically delay railway upgrades.
At the core of the project was an industrial robot from ABB that precisely fabricated building components using 3D printing technology. These prefabricated parts were then transported and assembled on-site within hours. Compared to traditional station construction, which can take months and require extensive labor, the automated approach significantly reduced build time, costs, and human workload while improving accuracy and safety.
