3D Printer StructureBot's Mission is the Homeless
- Audree Grubesic
- Jan 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Jim Scott, a professional with a background in aerospace and an MBA from Thunderbird, has devoted his entire career to the tech industry. His journey with 3D printing began with 3D Systems when they were still a startup. Recently, inspired by his work on modeling homelessness in Colorado Springs, Jim designed and built a 4' cube 3D printer prototype specifically for 3D printing mortar cement. This innovative approach became a means to address the need for low-cost housing.
Currently, Jim is the Co-Founder and CEO of StructureBot, our featured story on the Offsite Construction Series on Offsite Dirt with host Audree Grubesic. He explained that their team are in the process of building their Gen-2 printer, focusing on printing foundations for builders. The scope of their projects extends beyond foundations, including a notable initiative involving a 1400 sq ft home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, featuring a 450 sq ft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for a low-income family. The collaboration with builders is a key aspect of their approach.
As they progress, Jim envisions expanding the reach of their 3D printing systems, initially in North America and subsequently in Latin America within the next 2-3 years.
Jim sheds light on the benefits of a 3D printing system, particularly in construction, and addresses the insulating properties of cement. The focus on starting with smaller developments and then growing indicates a strategic approach to scaling their impact.
StructureBot's commitment to finding solutions for homelessness is evident in Jim's endeavors. The driving force behind his work is the desire to improve housing outcomes, especially for those in need. Creating homes for the homeless is not only a noble cause but also addresses a critical societal issue. The dedication to this mission underscores the importance of using technology and innovation to make a positive impact on people's lives.
3D printing is a powerful example of alternative offsite methods—using controlled, tech-enabled fabrication to reduce labor intensity and improve repeatability. This guide explains how emerging offsite approaches fit alongside modular, panelized, and hybrid construction, and where they can deliver the biggest advantages.
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StructureBot’s foundation printing sits at the intersection of traditional building and advanced manufacturing. This resource on new delivery models explores how hybrid workflows combine factory precision, on-site efficiency, and simplified assembly to address labor constraints and speed up housing delivery.
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Solving housing affordability requires repeatable systems that can scale across regions and labor markets. This story on affordable housing innovation highlights how alternative building methods are being deployed globally to deliver homes faster and with fewer resources—aligning closely with StructureBot’s mission-driven approach.
Jim Scott
Co-Founder and CEO at StructureBot PBC
Cell: 858-232-6610 jim.scott@structurebot.com
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