California company uses 3D printing to build sustainable homes

Through 3D printing technology, Mighty Buildings says it's able to build affordable homes with minimal environmental impact. The company in Oakland, Calf., uses a giant 3D printer to create building modules and panels from its “Light Stone Material,” which sets its shape when exposed to ultraviolet light. The company says it can assemble a house quicker and 40% cheaper while cutting construction waste by 99%. It is planning to soon build a subdivision in southern California with 15 printed homes.

Class discussion: Would you want to live in a house created by a 3D printer? Do you think this home-building method can successfully create a solid, long-lasting house? Why or why not? Could automated building systems put many skilled tradespeople out of work? What if automating home-building created more affordable houses? How has automation reduced good-paying jobs? How has automation cut the costs of goods? Can you afford to buy those low-cost goods if you can only get a low-paying job?