While thousands of Los Angeles-area contractors face the task of rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires destroyed over 16,000 structures, a pioneering partnership between ABB Robotics and Cosmic Buildings is demonstrating how automation could transform the industry's response to both disaster recovery and everyday construction challenges. 

The collaboration integrates ABB’s IRB 6710 robots with Cosmic’s AI-powered mobile construction platform, using RobotStudio software to create custom structural wall panels with precision to millimeters. On-site mobile microfactory system addresses key challenges, such as labor shortages and rising costs, by reducing construction time by up to 70 percent and lowering costs by approximately 30 percent compared to traditional methods. 

Photo: ABB Robotics/Cosmic Buildings

“Together, Cosmic and ABB Robotics are rewriting the rules of construction and disaster recovery,” says Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics Division. “By integrating our robots and digital twin technologies into Cosmic’s AI-powered mobile microfactory, we're enabling real-time, precision automation ideal for remote and disaster-affected sites.” 

The system can fabricate wall panels up to 8 feet by 16 feet, accommodating various ceiling heights and wall thicknesses. Completed homes can be delivered in just 12 weeks at $550 to $700 per square foot, which is significantly below Los Angeles' typical range of $800 to $ 1,000 or more.  

Photo: ABB Robotics/Cosmic Buildings

For wall and ceiling contractors, the system's flexibility stands out. According to Kent Newmark, go-to-market representative for Cosmic, the robotic fabrication process supports a variety of finishes, including wood siding, wood panels, cement fiber boards, aluminum panels, and drywall. The assembled walls resemble conventional structural walls, allowing contractors to attach any standard material. 

Importantly, installation crews require no special training to work with the robotically fabricated panels, making the technology accessible to existing contractor workforces without significant retraining investments. 

At the core of the innovation is the integration of ABB’s RobotStudio software with Cosmic’s AI-driven BIM. This end-to-end platform handles design, permitting, procurement, robotic fabrication, and assembly, with the entire build process simulated and optimized in a digital environment before physical deployment. 

Once on location, Cosmic’s AI and computer vision systems work in tandem with the robots, making real-time decisions, detecting issues, and ensuring consistent quality throughout the fabrication process. 

The homes being constructed exceed California’s wildfire and energy efficiency codes. They combine non-combustible materials, solar and battery backup systems, and water independence through greywater recycling and renewable water generation. This focus on resilience addresses growing concerns about building in areas prone to fire. 

“We’re not just building homes; we’re rebuilding the playbook,” says Sasha Jokic, founder and CEO of Cosmic Buildings. “Our mobile microfactory is fast enough for disaster recovery, efficient enough to drastically lower costs, and smart enough not to compromise on quality.” 

The Los Angeles deployment is part of a global movement to transform the construction industry through automation. For wall and ceiling contractors, this technology provides insight into how the industry may evolve to address persistent challenges, including labor shortages, waste reduction, and the growing demand for affordable housing.