Construction tech startup Automated Architecture (AUAR) has announced its entry into the U.S. market with the shipment of two robotic micro-factories. This move marks AUAR’s first step toward expanding its operations beyond Europe and aims to address the growing housing crisis in the Midwest. These micro-factories, powered by ABB Robotics technology, will be deployed by Rival Holdings, a real estate development firm, to construct thousands of sustainable and affordable homes across the region.
AUAR’s micro-factories, the first of their kind, are designed to build modular timber-frame homes efficiently. With the capacity to produce up to 180 homes annually, each factory is compact and mobile, shipped in standard containers, and can be deployed within 12 weeks of ordering. Unlike traditional construction methods, AUAR’s robotic factories automate much of the building process, reducing the need for large factory spaces and cutting both time and labor costs.
“By partnering with Rival Holdings, we are bringing our cutting-edge robotic micro-factories to the U.S., addressing a critical need for affordable and sustainable housing,” said Mollie Claypool, co-founder and CEO of AUAR.
AUAR’s technology combines robotics with proprietary software, automating key stages of design and construction. Its pop-up factories are part of a flexible, hardware-as-a-service model that allows homebuilders to adopt advanced automation without significant upfront investment. The system handles everything from initial designs to the manufacturing of modular components, making it accessible even to teams without specialized robotics training.
The partnership with Rival Holdings is expected to address critical challenges in the U.S. construction industry, including a labor shortage, increasing housing costs, and the need for environmentally sustainable building practices. “The innovation from AUAR is exactly what we need to overcome the hurdles in today’s housing market,” said Jerod Hevel, VP of Innovation and Strategy at Rival Holdings.
The collaboration is part of AUAR’s larger strategic partnership with ABB Robotics, which provides the core technologies behind the micro-factories. ABB’s advanced robotics enable greater precision, flexibility, and speed in the construction process, significantly lowering environmental impact. The construction industry currently accounts for 11% of global emissions, and both companies are committed to reducing this footprint through sustainable practices.
“The expansion into the U.S. is a pivotal moment in our partnership with AUAR,” said Craig McDonnell, managing director at ABB Robotics. “We are addressing critical global challenges in construction, from labor shortages to sustainability, and this project marks a significant step toward revolutionizing the industry.”
AUAR and Rival Holdings plan to begin by constructing an innovative low-energy accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as a demonstration before scaling up to larger housing projects. With plans to expand its operations globally, AUAR’s U.S. debut is just the beginning of a broader strategy to reshape how homes are built.
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