3D printing homes on Earth, someday the moon | 60 Minutes

Summary

Icon, an Austin-based company, is revolutionizing construction with 3D printing technology that builds homes layer by layer using concrete. Founded by Jason Ballard, Icon aims to create affordable housing and sustainable structures. The company has printed homes for the homeless and is partnering with NASA to develop 3D printing on the moon, using lunar regolith. Icon's technology promises to transform construction, making it faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Icon, a Texas-based company, is revolutionizing construction by 3D printing entire buildings, including a 100-home community in Austin.
• 🛠️ The 3D printing process involves a robotic arm that lays down layers of concrete, similar to an oversized ice cream dispenser, to build house walls.
• 🌐 Icon's technology is not only efficient but also aims to create affordable housing, with the potential to address homelessness and ecological issues.
• 🚀 Icon has partnered with NASA to explore 3D printing on the moon, using lunar regolith as a building material, which could support long-term human presence.
• 🤖 The company's 3D printers are controlled by software, showcasing the integration of robotics, advanced materials, and software in innovative construction.
• 💡 Icon's founder, Jason Ballard, was inspired to revolutionize housing after personal experiences with homelessness and natural disasters.
• 🏡 The first 3D printed homes were small and elegant, proving the technology's potential beyond just large-scale projects.
• 🔥 Icon's 3D printed homes are designed to be more resilient, with properties like being fire, flood, and termite resistant.
• 🌱 The company is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of construction by experimenting with new concrete mixes and more sustainable practices.
• 🌐 Icon's long-term vision includes not just terrestrial construction but also expanding to extraterrestrial habitats, with Mars being a potential future project.

Q & A

What is ICON, the company mentioned in the script, known for?

ICON is known for 3D printing buildings and structures, with the aim of revolutionizing construction methods, creating affordable housing, and potentially contributing to space exploration by colonizing the moon.

How does ICON's 3D printing process work?

ICON's process involves mixing dry concrete powder with water, sand, and additives, which is then pumped to a robotic printer. The printer lays down the walls of a house one layer at a time, with steel added every 10th layer for strength.

What is unique about the homes printed by ICON?

ICON's 3D printed homes are unique in their construction method, which is faster and more efficient than traditional building. They also feature curved walls and can be customized in design, offering a more aesthetically pleasing and potentially stronger structure.

What is the significance of the 3D printed houses being built in Austin, Texas?

The 3D printed houses in Austin represent the world's first large community of 3D printed houses, showcasing ICON's technology and its potential to change the future of housing and construction.

How does ICON's 3D printing technology contribute to sustainability?

ICON's technology contributes to sustainability by reducing waste, as it prints only what is needed with minimal offcuts. It also aims to use materials that are more eco-friendly and to develop processes that reduce the carbon footprint of construction.

What challenges did ICON face during the development of their 3D printing technology?

ICON faced challenges such as technical difficulties in getting the printer to work correctly, including issues with the printer's direction and layering. They also faced skepticism from experts who doubted the feasibility of their project.

How does ICON's work align with efforts to address homelessness?

ICON has partnered with organizations to provide small homes for the homeless, demonstrating the potential of their technology to create affordable and quick housing solutions for those in need.

What is the significance of ICON's partnership with NASA?

ICON's partnership with NASA is significant as it explores the possibility of using ICON's 3D printing technology to build infrastructure on the moon, such as landing pads and habitats, which could support future space exploration.

What are some of the future applications ICON envisions for its 3D printing technology?

ICON envisions a future where most buildings are designed by AI, projects are run by software, and almost everything is built by robots. They also see potential for their technology to be used in constructing buildings on Mars.

What is the current status of ICON's 3D printing technology in terms of construction on Earth?

ICON's technology is currently being used to construct small homes, community centers, and other structures on Earth. They are also experimenting with new designs and materials to further improve their 3D printing capabilities.

How does ICON's founder, Jason Ballard, view the future of construction and housing?

Jason Ballard sees the future of construction and housing as one that is more abundant, affordable, and beautiful, with technology playing a significant role in designing, managing, and constructing buildings.