‘World’s highest’ 3D printed structure built in Himalayas

A 3D printer has reportedly been used to construct a military bunker at 11,000 feet in the Himalayan mountain. Image: Adobe Stock

What is claimed to be the world’s highest on-site 3D printed structure has been created by Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad in collaboration with the Indian Army.

The structure was printed in 14 hours using Simpliforge’s robotic 3D printer, which was deployed and commissioned in under 24 hours.

Simpliforge’s CEO Dhruv Gandhi said, “Reduced oxygen levels impaired power efficiency and human performance. Low humidity and high UV radiation impacted material integrity – but our systems delivered a robust structure in just five days.”

Operating at high altitudes with thermal extremes required specially engineered concrete.

Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, MD of Simpliforge, said, “This Ladakh bunker is more than a defense milestone – it’s validation for extra-terrestrial applications. We see this as a stepping stone toward space construction on the Moon and Mars.”