Circle Up Indy says it plans to accomplish its ambitious goal of building 2,000 3D-printed homes in Indiana within the next five years. Photo from Adobe Stock.

By Joey Graham
Indiana News Service

A plan to build 2,000 homes using a robot could hold the key to unlocking one solution to Indiana’s affordable-housing shortage.

The differences between builder-constructed and 3D-printed homes are many, but one stands out: the cost. According to the leader of an Indiana nonprofit, labor costs for a 3D home are 70% less than a traditional build.

James Wilson, CEO of Circle Up Indy, is looking to the Indianapolis community to raise $2.6 million to cover the bill for two 3D printers, land and training for hundreds of workers to help the robot during construction.

“We created opportunities for individuals 15 and older: veterans, criminal history and ones with disabilities,” Wilson explained. “The reason why we did so is filling the gap to minimize the cultural disparities individuals go through. The goal is not to hear them say, ‘We can’t get ahead,’ but putting ’em in a position where they say, ‘We’re getting ahead.’ ”

Wilson emphasized the community needs jobs and affordable housing. He joined local leaders this week to make the announcement. So far, the group has raised $65,000 of its goal.

Wilson added the finished product, made with technology and robots created by the construction technology company Apis Cor, will be homes built using concrete.

“They broke us into an industry on a level that I’ve never seen before,” Wilson stressed. “They also asked us to be a global partner. So, coming with the 3D, we’re going to come with a whole slew of jobs. We’re able in the first two years — once we make our $2.6 million — I guarantee we’re able to hire well over 500 people throughout the state of Indiana.”

Monthly rent for a completed 3D home is expected to average $800. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition said Indiana is short more than 120,000 affordable rental homes for people with very low incomes.