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By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
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Robots housed in "micro factories" will be part of a push for housing production across the Midwest, amid a shortage in the U.S. that has become a key election issue.
The new technology, supplied by U.K. robotics company Automated Architecture (AUAR), will be used by U.S.-based Rival Holdings to expand sustainable real estate development across areas where housing demand is high.
The two micro factories, which are small enough to be transported to the U.S. in shipping containers, are capable of producing 180 new homes a year each, according to Rival Holdings.
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The factories work by constructing timber frames according to an AI-powered design manufacturing software developed by AUAR. The software accounts for local supply chains and building codes.
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Mollie Claypool, co-founder and CEO of AUAR, told Newsweek that the micro factories were currently on their way to the U.S. via ship, and are scheduled to arrive within two weeks.
"Our mission is to build a global automated construction ecosystem for sustainable homes, and what that means is that these micro factories are just the beginning of a much bigger project," she said.
"We're also in the process of establishing other partners in other countries in Europe as well as in Canada."
The factories were first deployed in Belgium, where promising results meant the technology became profitable within six weeks of being established, leading to the scale up to the U.S.
ABB Robotics, AUAR's partner who enabled the expansion into the U.S., said that the new technology could "revolutionize the construction industry", saying in a press release: "We are addressing critical global challenges such as labor and skills shortages.
"Our shared commitment to sustainable construction is pivotal in reducing the environmental impact of the industry, which currently accounts for 11 percent of total global emissions.
"We are excited to welcome our partners in the U.S. as they expand their impact outside of Europe for the first time, paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in construction."
Vice President Kamala Harris has put housing construction at the core of her presidential campaign, with a pledge to build 3 million new homes. The policy is particularly popular among younger voters, with people aged 18 to 29 supporting it the most.
Former President Donald Trump's campaign website says Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing inflation and allow construction on some federal lands.
However, the president is limited in their ability to impact the housing market directly, meaning private sector developments such as this will play a key role in any housing targets that a future president might want to meet.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about construction in America? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
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