Robot-built, 3D-printed homes are more than a novelty

Researchers at the University of Nantes have unveiled what some outlets are incorrectly reporting is the first 3D-printed, robot-built home. The house, which takes about 18 days to build, is made of a combination of polymer and concrete, which the Nantes researchers say will keep the home insulated for decades. The resulting 1000-square-foot, y-shaped structure has five rooms and embedded sensors to monitor air quality and temperature. There have been several other successful 3D-printed home projects going back to at least 2012. More recently, design firm ICON teamed up with nonprofit New Story to unveil a 650-square-foot 3D-printed house concept at this year's SXSW.