By Vladimir Korchagin, Columnist
February 25, Switzerland      

The American company ICON, a leader in construction technology, has made a groundbreaking innovation with Phoenix—the largest 3D printer for multi-story buildings. This robotic system can print a two-story concrete house at unprecedented speed and efficiency, revolutionizing the housing construction industry.

A Robot That Builds

Phoenix represents an entirely new concept in construction technology. Unlike traditional 3D printers that operate along fixed axes, this robot is equipped with a jointed mechanical arm, making it more flexible and versatile. In a recent experiment, ICON demonstrated the capabilities of the system by printing an eight-meter-high building in Austin, Texas.

This new technology significantly reduces construction costs. The price of 3D-printed walls is approximately $83 per square meter, while including the foundation and roof, the cost rises to around $266 per square meter. This allows for savings of up to $25,000 compared to traditional methods used in building a typical American home.

But it’s not just about cost-effectiveness—this innovation is truly revolutionary because the printer is nearly autonomous, reducing reliance on human labor and mitigating risks associated with worker shortages.

Artificial Intelligence in Architecture

ICON has gone beyond robotic printing. The company has introduced Vitruvius—a software platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to design homes. This system does more than just generate blueprints; it adapts designs to match the client’s preferences and budget.

Vitruvius can analyze individual requests, offering optimized architectural solutions and realistic visualizations. In the future, the system will not only design buildings but also generate complete construction documentation, including cost estimates and work schedules.

ICON’s CEO, Jason Ballard, stated that the goal of Vitruvius is to simplify the home-building process to just a few clicks. Clients will be able to select house parameters, and the system will automatically generate the design and cost estimates.

The Future of Construction: Faster, Cheaper, More Accessible

The emergence of these technologies has the potential to radically change the construction industry. The major challenges—long construction times, high costs, and a shortage of skilled labor—now have technological solutions.

By reducing production costs, shortening construction timelines, and using sustainable building materials, 3D printing is becoming a viable alternative to traditional methods. Additionally, these technologies can be used not only for private housing but also for urban development, humanitarian projects, and extreme environment exploration.

ICON has already conducted successful tests, and according to the company, the implementation of Vitruvius and mass adoption of Phoenix will begin in 2025. This could mark a turning point in the evolution of construction technology, making high-quality housing more accessible to millions of people worldwide.

Technology That Shapes Tomorrow

ICON is not just developing new tools—it is creating an entire ecosystem where artificial intelligence and robotic technology work seamlessly together. In a world where urbanization is accelerating and the demand for affordable housing is increasing, such solutions are not just technological innovations but also socially significant initiatives.

Company website: https://www.iconbuild.com/
On the company’s website, you can use AI to design your own home according to your preferences. 

The future of construction has already begun, and now, instead of being built by hand, homes are being printed.