Construction technology company ICON has introduced a new suite of construction technologies at the official SXSW event in the US.
The suite includes a new robotic multistorey 3D printer, a low-carbon building material, a digital catalogue, and an AI-powered architect system.
These innovations are designed to further automate construction and make it faster, more sustainable, and affordable worldwide.
ICON co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard said: “When we launched the company and the first permitted 3D-printed house in 2018 during SXSW, we set out to both decrease the cost and increase the quality of building instead of choosing one or the other. We didn't want to just be the best at 3D printing, we wanted to be the best at building, period.
“Now, I believe we can say that is a reality. I am so proud of the work ICON has done to get to where we are today - not only the promise, but the reality of technology, architecture and materials that will allow us to build better than anyone in the world.”
The new multistorey robotic construction system, named Phoenix, is said to be capable of printing entire building enclosures, including foundations and roof structures.
This system is expected to halve ICON's printing costs by increasing speed and size capabilities while reducing setup time and the number of operators needed.
Phoenix’s first engineering prototype has concluded a 27ft-tall architectural demonstration structure, currently on display in Austin, Texas, US.
Meanwhile, ICON's digital catalogue, CODEX, offers more than 60 ready-to-print home designs across five collections, including Texas modern, fire-resilient, storm-resilient, affordable, and avant-garde styles.
ICON’s Vitruvius AI system streamlines the home design and building process.
Currently in open beta, Vitruvius can generate home designs, floor plans, and renderings in minutes, considering individual preferences, budgets, and feedback.
By the end of the year, it is expected to advance to producing schematic designs, and ICON anticipates that it will soon deliver full construction documents and permit-ready designs.
