25. Mount Clemens Obelisk
By Citizens Robotics
Host: City of Mount Clemens
Sponsor: Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership
Location: S. Main Circle on the Mound connecting to SB Gratiot
This was our second venture into 3D printing.
An obelisk is a tall, slender, four‑sided monument that tapers as it rises and ends in a pyramid‑shaped top (called a pyramidion). It is typically upright and can be made from a single block of stone (monolithic) or from several stones. The term comes from the Ancient Greek obelískos, meaning “spit” or “pointed pillar,” a diminutive of obelós.
Obelisks originated in ancient Egypt around 2,300 BCE, where they were called tekhenu. They were often erected in pairs at the entrances of temples and symbolized the sun god Ra, representing the sun’s journey across the sky. The shafts were carved with hieroglyphs dedicating the obelisk to the pharaoh and the sun god. Some were also used as sundials, casting shadows that indicated the time of day.
Today, obelisks are still used as monuments, often to honor individuals or events. Examples include the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., and the Cleopatra’s Needle in London. They remain symbols of enduring power, time, and cultural heritage.
In short: An obelisk is both a distinctive architectural form and a richly symbolic monument, with deep roots in ancient Egyptian religion and culture, and a lasting presence in global history.
Citizen Robotics, a pioneering 3D printing company, aims to reduce the cost of housing construction by adopting advanced robotic construction techniques. They raise awareness about the possibilities of automation and showcase innovative solutions from around the world. Through our training center, we bring these cutting-edge technologies to the community, enabling people to build more efficiently using less labor and fewer materials. We are committed to upskilling today’s construction workforce for the future by providing training and hands-on opportunities in new housing developments.
To learn more about Citizen Robotics, visit their website at www.citizenrobotics.org and follow them on Facebook at Citizen Robotics.
Stop by our office at 92 NB Gratiot in Mount Clemens to pick up a brochure featuring all our sculptures. Brochures are also available at the Bonior Tree and Pollinator Park. Now that summer has arrived, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a walk.
If you would like to support our efforts, please consider sending a small tax-deductible contribution to help fund the next show scheduled for October 2026-2027.
Be sure to like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MCEP99.