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Earthlings 2.0 PodcastAuthor: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the worlds biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more. Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits. Language: en Genres: Science, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#159: Combining Robotics and Mass Timber For Modular Urban Buildings with Intelligent City
Episode 159
Tuesday, 5 May, 2026
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Oliver David (OD) Krieg, president of Intelligent City, about how prefabrication, automation, and mass timber are reshaping the future of housing. He explains how a “product platform” approach, standardizing manufacturing while allowing for design flexibility, can make construction faster, more efficient, and scalable. The conversation explores the role of robotics and data-driven processes in increasing output without eliminating labor, the benefits and challenges of mass timber as a building material, and why the housing crisis is as much about systems, financing, and policy as it is about construction methods.We also discussed this topic in different capacities in a few previous episodes. You can watch or listen here:#29: Living, Breathing, Beautiful Buildings with Lindsay Baker#72 - Using AI to Make Smarter, Greener, and More Efficient BuildingsKey Points:Prefabrication as a platform model – Standardized manufacturing processes paired with flexible design enable faster, more scalable housing delivery while maintaining architectural variation.Automation increases output, not replaces labor – Robotics and software improve efficiency and productivity, helping address labor shortages rather than eliminating jobs.The future points toward industrialized construction – Over the next 10-20 years, prefab systems and factory-based building could become a dominant model, supported by larger-scale manufacturers and standardized processes.Oliver David (OD) Krieg, President of Intelligent City, LinkedInSarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President, Client Services & Growth at Technica Communications, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
