Wedoany.com Report-Jun 5, Automated Architecture (Auar), a UK-based construction technology company, has secured £5.1 million in funding to advance its robotic “pop-up micro-factory” system. This innovative setup, featuring a robotic arm with machine vision and AI, constructs timber houses on or near building sites, streamlining the construction process.

Render shows the pop-up micro-factory concept

Auar’s system enables homebuilders to reduce construction costs by up to 40%. The company is now focusing on marketing the technology to mid-sized homebuilders across Europe. Builders can rent a micro-factory, which can assemble a complete timber structure in just 12 hours, reducing onsite labor by up to 75%. The funding round was led by Planet A, a European early-stage venture fund, with contributions from Shadow Ventures, Common Magic, Concrete VC, and angel investors Margarita Skarkou, Carmel Rafaeli, Dorothy Chou, Sandro Gianella, and Luke Appleby. Previous investors Miles Ahead, Nicolas Bearelle, and ABB, a Swiss-Swedish electronics company, also participated. Auar collaborated with ABB to develop the system’s robotic arm.

Sam Baker from Planet A stated: “Automation is the single biggest commercial opportunity in construction today, but its adoption has been held back by rigid design systems, limited industry know-how, and broken business models. What stands out with Auar is their ability to embed automation directly into the sector, delivering scalable value in a way that’s both profitable and sustainable.”

Founded in 2019 by CEO Mollie Claypool and CTO/Chief Architect Gilles Retsin, Auar aims to create a global, automated construction ecosystem. Claypool said: “AUAR is building a global, automated construction ecosystem for sustainable, affordable, and beautiful homes at scale, designed to plug into the way builders already work.” Retsin added: “With the use of affordable, flexible robotics that can easily adapt to different designs, builders don’t need special facilities or massive training to get the best out of our technology. By bringing manufacturing directly to the site or close by, we’re cutting out delays and costs.”

The micro-factory is transported to sites by lorry, enhancing flexibility. Over the past year, Auar has completed multiple projects in Belgium, contributing to over 300 homes. The company received a grant from Innovate UK to expand its platform for mid-rise timber housing, set for commercial release next year. In 2023, Auar delivered two micro-factories to Rival Holdings, an Indiana-based investor in construction technologies.

This funding and expansion reflect Auar’s commitment to revolutionizing construction with sustainable, efficient solutions, tailored to meet the needs of modern homebuilders.