Experts estimate around 60% of buildings that will exist in 30 years time have yet to be built.
This equals constructing a city the size of Stockholm every week until 2050.
These huge printers work much like their desktop equivalents, but instead of using ink, they extrude concrete.
Just take Aiman Hussein, director of printing at US-basedstartupAlquist 3D.
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But, the sector is plagued by cost overruns, chronic inefficiencies, and labour shortages.
Wolfs isone of the foremost global experts on 3D concrete printing.
Located down a narrow concrete stairwell behind a set of wooden doors is the departments R&D lab.
It smells like sawdust, fresh concrete, and potential.
This is where bright ideas go to get tested and validated.
Its also home to the universitys very own 3D concrete printer.
Numerousstudieshave shown that3D printing in construction can reduce waste by 30-60%.
Robots do the hard work, so you dont have to.
Robots are not going to take peoples jobs, says Wolfs.
But can it deliver?
The partners aim to construct the next four houses completely onsite using one giant printer.
Weber Beamix has been working closely with TU/e for years, to bring its research to market.
But thats just a drop in the ocean.
In 2021, Germanys first ever 3D-printed house was unveiled in the town of Beckum.
Perhaps the worlds most ambitious 3D-printed affordable housing project is in the small town of Accrington, England.
Full planning permission has already been secured for the site, and construction is set to begin imminently.
But its not just 3D-printed buildings that are making the headlines.
These applications are not just bound to Earth either.
Almost all dental implants these days are 3D printed.
However, in construction, were not there yet, not even close.
3D printing wont solve the housing crisis on its own.
Perhaps the biggest buzz around 3D construction printing lately has been its potential to solve the housing crisis.
Wolfs is not so sure.
It is moving so quickly it risks getting in its own way, he said.
Will a 3D-printed home last as long as a traditionally built home?
Will it be structurally sound and safe in the event of a fire or natural disaster?
Then theres the sustainability aspect.
While 3D construction printing cuts waste, it still relies heavily on cement.
Key to all of this is trial and error.
3D printing in construction, then, is not so much of a revolution as an evolution.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
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