Frederick Bester Email & Phone Number

Specialising in construction automation, particularly concrete printing, I bring a pragmatic and innovative approach to the field with expertise in structural engineering, mechanical design, programming and material science. With over a year in my current role, I've led the development of three core pillars of concrete printing - software, hardware, and materials. My most notable achievement has been leading the development of the first large-scale concrete printer manufactured in Africa, a revolutionary piece of technology due to its affordability, mobility, and reliability.In addition to my technical skills, I embrace a philosophy of servant leadership, believing that the best leaders serve their teams by supporting growth and removing obstacles. This philosophy, coupled with a focus on creativity and innovation, guides my approach to problem-solving and leadership in my field.I aim to revolutionise the construction sector through automation, striving to bring about much-needed sustainability and productivity improvements. I am deeply committed to bringing the advantages of the fourth industrial revolution to the construction sector, transforming it through data, connectivity, analytics, human-machine interaction, and improvements in robotics.Educated at Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering and a PhD in Structural Engineering, exploring reinforcement integration methods for concrete printing. My commitment to innovation in construction technology was demonstrated during my post-graduate studies, where I designed and built a laboratory-scale concrete printer for the Centre for Development of Sustainable Infrastructure to encourage the exploration of this technology's potential among fellow students. My passion for concrete printing has resulted in two conference publications and two journal publications, with several co-authorships in the same field.