Three former SpaceX engineers have founded a startup called 1872 to automate steel parts manufacturing using AI-driven software and robots. The company opened its first facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the goal of running a prototype factory capable of automating most steel fabrication for critical infrastructure by 2027.
Its initial focus is producing steel skids for modular buildings, with an eye toward customers building AI data centers and small modular nuclear reactors. CEO Dan Summers said the company is working toward autonomy but may stop at around 80% automation if full autonomy offers diminishing returns.
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