In the Future, I Believe Robots and Drones Will Build Entire Neighborhoods

Just north of Austin, Texas in the small city of Georgetown a master-planned community is being built by robots. Developers Lennar, ICON, and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) are combining robotics, software, and advanced materials to create homes that are 3D-printed. The CEO of ICON says that “For the first time in the history of the world, what we’re witnessing here is a fleet of robots building an entire community of homes. And not just any homes, homes that are better in every way…better design, higher strength, higher energy performance and comfort, and increased resiliency”.

These homes look to be superior to typical stick-built homes for many reasons, not the least of which is their resistance to termites, noise transmission, tornadoes, and hurricanes because they are built with concrete instead of lumber. Plus, the cost of labor is dramatically reduced which is a godsend in today’s labor market which is not only overpriced but full of scarcity of skilled tradesmen.

The homes seem to be priced very well in the mid-$400,000’s. And, being developed by Lennar one of the largest home builders in the country shows a keen interest in changing the way homes are built in the future. You can read more here.