The United States is grappling with a housing shortage that has been exacerbated by years of underbuilding relative to a growing population. Current estimates suggest a deficit of between 4 million and 7 million homes. This shortage is due to several factors, including a crippling labor shortage, rising material costs, and supply chain disruptions, all of which were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this context, innovative solutions are essential to boost construction rates, and 3D printing technology offers a promising avenue. Companies like Apis Cor are at the forefront of this transformative shift in the construction industry.
The construction industry is facing a shortage of approximately 500,000 workers this year. Many workers are retiring, and younger generations are less interested in traditional construction roles. 3D printing technology could mitigate this issue by automating the construction process, thereby reducing the need for large crews. For instance, Apis Cor’s technology requires a maximum crew of just two people, compared to the 10-person crew needed for traditional methods.
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, involves creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by depositing materials in successive layers. In construction, large-scale 3D printers layer materials such as concrete or mortar until the walls are complete. This method allows for intricate building designs that were previously impossible, opening new possibilities in architectural creativity.
The potential benefits of 3D printing in construction are significant. It requires a smaller workforce, lowers material costs, increases construction speed, and optimizes logistics. Apis Cor claims to 3D print the wall structures for a standard single-family house within five days, compared to the weeks required by traditional methods.
Apis Cor is targeting a share of an industry projected to be worth over $53 billion by 2032. The company’s proprietary 3D printing technology can print buildings of any square footage and potentially reduce costs by up to 30%, depending on factors like design and location, while tripling the speed of construction.
Apis Cor has already printed buildings in Boca Chica, TX, and Melbourne, FL, and aims to bring automated construction to every builder in America. The company has also deployed its printing robots in Dubai, where it constructed the world’s largest 3D-printed building, a two-story, 31 ft tall structure with 6,400 square feet of living area.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Apis Cor’s technology is the ability to operate the 3D printers remotely. In a recent test, an operator based in California successfully controlled a printing process in Florida. This capability enables around-the-clock operation and increased productivity. Remote operation is particularly beneficial for constructing buildings in remote or disaster-stricken areas, where traditional construction teams face logistical challenges, and has potential applications in military operations.
Currently in its pre-IPO stage, Apis Cor has raised over $3.5 million from more than 2,000 investors. Those interested in supporting a company at the forefront of a homebuilding revolution may find this funding round an intriguing opportunity.
