Automated Architecture (AUAR), a pioneering construction technology company, has successfully raised £5.1 million to further its mission of making sustainable and affordable housing a reality for all. This recent funding round aims to enhance AUAR’s innovative platform, which integrates automation and robotics with a decentralised approach to address the pressing issues plaguing the construction industry.

The traditional model of building homes has come under scrutiny for its inability to meet surging demands, especially in regions like the UK and Germany where the housing crisis is pronounced. Existing methods not only inflate costs but also delay project completion, making it crucial to explore new solutions. AUAR’s model promises significant reductions in construction costs—between 30% and 40%—and aims to alleviate bottlenecks throughout the building process.

Central to AUAR’s approach is the use of timber construction, which can provide a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials. However, the potential of timber remains largely untapped due to outdated manufacturing processes. AUAR’s innovative system empowers mid-sized builders to scale timber housing effectively, allowing them to rent compact robotic Micro-Factories capable of completing the full timber structure of a home within just 12 hours. This process not only decreases on-site labour by up to 75% but also enhances overall efficiency.

The company’s proprietary MasterBuilder software plays a vital role by seamlessly linking AI-driven design to robotic production, automating every stage from planning to fabrication. This holistic approach not only reduces costs and accelerates build times but also offers builders greater control, enabling them to maximise project outputs and respond adeptly to market demands.

Mollie Claypool, co-founder and CEO of AUAR, articulated the vision for a rapidly evolving construction ecosystem. “By enabling the industry to build together, powered by robotics and AI, we’re not just offering a new tool—we’re unlocking new possibilities for how homebuilders can grow, innovate, and deliver at scale,” she noted. This encapsulates the broader ambition of AUAR to revolutionise homebuilding by integrating cutting-edge technology with practical solutions tailored to current industry challenges.

As part of the strategic trajectory, AUAR has delivered multiple projects in Belgium, engaged in the construction of over 300 homes, and initiated the groundbreaking “ConstrucThor”—a facility designed to explore the future of sustainable construction. By 2030, AUAR anticipates producing over 100,000 carbon-negative homes across diverse regions.

This latest funding round was spearheaded by European early-stage venture fund Planet A, accompanied by notable participation from Shadow Ventures, Common Magic, and Concrete VC. The influx of capital is anticipated to accelerate AUAR’s scaling efforts, allowing for the expansion of its partner ecosystem and operations in critical European markets, including Benelux, DACH, and the Nordics.

The focus on automation in the construction industry is seen as a transformative opportunity. According to Sam Baker, an investor at Planet A, AUAR distinguishes itself by embedding automation within the sector and offering scalable solutions that tackle the real-world constraints of margins, speed, and labour. This strategic positioning provides a blend of advanced technology and compelling economics that some believe could shape the future of construction.

In the face of ongoing housing shortages and rising costs, AUAR’s pioneering use of robotic micro-factories exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to construction, merging sustainability with profitability. As it steps into its next phase of growth, the company’s efforts may well redefine not only the processes within the construction sector but also the very fabric of homebuilding itself.

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Source: Noah Wire Services