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U.S. researchers have designed a system that can 3D-print the basic structure of an entire building in under 14 hours.

Called the Digital Construction Platform, the system uses hydraulic and electric robotic arms on a tracked mobile platform. MIT researchers used a prototype to build the basic open dome structure. Its 14.6 metres in diameter and 3.7 metres tall. The system is still in its testing stages, but designers hope it will be used on construction sites in the future.

The team says automating construction will cut costs and boost worker safety.