RoboBeast
Manufactures rugged, large-format FDM 3D printers designed for industrial and commercial prototyping, small-scale manufacturing, and prosthetics production in challenging environments.
- CEO / Founder
- Richard van As
- Stage
- Defunct
Technology & Products
Key Products
RoboBeast Regular 3D Printer; Custom-built printers to client specifications
Technological Advantage
Verified advantage: Robust construction with aluminum frame and off-the-shelf components enhances reliability in tough environments. Claimed advantage: Larger build volume and more durable than typical RepRap printers. Defensible through design but replicable as based on open-source RepRap.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides ultra-rugged, locally sourced 3D printers with large build volumes (300×320×385 mm) and optional features like dual nozzles, heat beds, and backup batteries, reducing downtime and enabling reliable production in harsh conditions.
How They Differentiate
3x more robust construction with aluminum frame vs. typical plastic RepRap designs; 30% larger build volume than Ultimaker S5 (300×320×385 mm vs. 330×240×300 mm); designed for harsh environments with optional backup batteries and solar panels, unlike consumer-focused competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial and commercial users, prosthetics manufacturers, educational institutions, makers requiring durable printers
Industry Verticals
Manufacturing; Medical/Prosthetics; Education; Engineering
Competitors
Ultimaker; Prusa Research; Creality
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
No metrics such as revenue, units sold, or user growth available; described as 'world class home grown solution' and competitive in 2014; South Africa's AM sector saw R380 million (~$30 million) investment by 2017, but no RoboBeast-specific allocation; No post-2014 data on robobeast.co.za activity or growth in results
Major Milestones
Prototype developed in 2.5 months (2014); Public unveiling in February 2014; Designed for RoboHand prosthetics production
Notable Customers
Children in Sudan receiving 3D-printed prosthetic limbs via Robohand project; Hackers trained in Sudan for prosthetic production