Three former SpaceX engineers have shifted their focus from building rocket engines to producing steel parts using artificial intelligence software and robots. Their primary goal is to launch a pilot factory that can automate most of the steel fabrication process for critical infrastructure by 2027.
The startup, 1872, which was formally launched on July 22 with the opening ceremony of its factory in Cincinnati, Ohio, is initially focused on automating the production of steel skids – rectangular frames that provide a movable base for modular buildings. These pieces will be required for AI data centers or small modular nuclear reactors for customers.
Dan Summers, CEO of 1872, said in an interview with Ars: “We’re moving towards autonomy, but not necessarily moving towards full autonomy for the sake of ideology. We might get to 80 % automated and be happy with that, because the marginal costs to get to 100 % are high.”
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- Translated the quoted speech while keeping the speaker’s intent and nuance, using standard English quotation marks.
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