In the wake of the 2025 Southern Californian wildfires, which razed more than 16,000 structures and left entire neighbourhoods in ruins, a groundbreaking collaboration between ABB Robotics and Cosmic Buildings is bringing hope—and homes—back to fire-damaged communities.
Armed with AI-powered robotic construction technology and a mobile microfactory that can be deployed directly to disaster zones, the two companies are proving that rebuilding doesn’t have to take years or break the bank. Their first deployment in Pacific Palisades marks a bold step towards faster, safer, and more cost-effective housing solutions for wildfire-affected residents.
AI-powered construction at disaster speed
The heart of this innovation lies in Cosmic’s AI-enabled mobile robotic microfactory, which integrates ABB’s IRB 6710 industrial robots with RobotStudio® digital twin technology. The result? A fully automated, end-to-end building process that can slash construction times by up to 70% and reduce costs by around 30% compared to conventional Los Angeles building methods.
The microfactory fabricates custom structural wall panels with millimetre precision, delivering them just in time for assembly on site. This on-demand, modular construction not only accelerates timelines but also minimises waste—an important advantage in post-disaster recovery where resources are stretched thin.
“Together, Cosmic and ABB Robotics are rewriting the rules of construction and disaster recovery,” said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics Division. “By combining our robots and digital twin technologies with Cosmic’s AI-powered mobile microfactory, we’re enabling real-time, precision automation ideal for remote and disaster-affected sites.”
Built for resilience and sustainability
The homes built through this programme aren’t just fast to construct—they’re designed to outperform California’s strict wildfire safety and energy efficiency codes. Each residence incorporates:
- Non-combustible building materials for enhanced fire resistance
- Solar power and battery backup for energy independence
- Greywater recycling and renewable water generation for water resilience
By simulating every build in a digital twin environment before physical construction, Cosmic ensures optimal design, cost efficiency, and consistent quality. Once on site, AI and computer vision systems allow the robots to make real-time adjustments and catch potential issues before they become costly delays.
“We’re not just building homes; we’re rebuilding the playbook,” said Sasha Jokic, Founder and CEO of Cosmic Buildings. “Our mobile microfactory is fast enough for disaster recovery, efficient enough to lower costs, and smart enough to maintain uncompromising quality.”
Affordable, high-quality homes in months, not years
In a city where construction costs typically range from $800 to $1,000+ per square foot and projects can drag on for over a year, Cosmic’s approach is a game-changer. Homes built with the mobile microfactory are delivered in as little as 12 weeks, at $550–$700 per square foot—an enormous relief for homeowners facing underinsurance and inflated rebuilding costs.
The company’s initial Pacific Palisades deployment aims to build 100 new homes by 2027, creating a scalable model for disaster recovery housing that could be replicated in wildfire, hurricane, or earthquake-affected regions worldwide.
Part of a bigger shift in construction
The global construction robotics market is projected to grow at a 20% CAGR through 2030, driven by increasing labour shortages, sustainability demands, and the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. ABB’s partnership with Cosmic is a real-world demonstration of how automation can address these challenges while maintaining high build quality and resilience.
From precision robotic fabrication to AI-driven project management, this initiative represents a seismic shift in how we approach post-disaster reconstruction. By taking the factory directly to the community in need, ABB and Cosmic are not just rebuilding homes—they’re reshaping the future of the construction industry.
To see the AI-enabled mobile robotic microfactory click here.
Read next: AI‑enabled mobile robotics is changing day‑to‑day construction – Build in Digital
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