Texas Startup Uses Robots to Construct Homes from Local Clay

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:26:00 +0200

A startup located south of Austin, Texas, is pioneering a novel approach to home construction by using robots to build houses from clay sourced directly on-site. The construction process begins with gathering local soil, which is then mixed and prepared on a build plate. Robots equipped with claw-like tools pick up the clay, transport it to the walls, and deposit it carefully. After placing the material, the same robots switch to a hammer attachment to compact and shape the walls, simulating traditional adobe building techniques. Machine learning algorithms continuously monitor and adjust the building process to ensure smooth, solid walls. The project is taking place at Proto-Town, a testing ranch between Lockhart and Luling that hosts experimental technologies, ranging from anti-drone systems to nuclear reactors. The startup plans to construct its next home on this property and aims to build more than 20 homes over the coming year. This approach aims to make sustainable, low-cost home