Key facts
- 1872, founded by former SpaceX engineers, is building an AI-driven robotic factory.
- The company aims to automate steel fabrication for components used in AI data centers and modular nuclear reactors.
- Its prototype factory, Factory One in Cincinnati, Ohio, officially launched on July 22, 2026.
- 1872 is initially focusing on automating the production of steel skids.
- The startup has secured $15 million in seed funding.
Three former SpaceX engineers have launched a new venture, 1872, aiming to revolutionize steel part manufacturing through AI-driven software and robotics. The startup celebrated the opening of its Factory One facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 22, 2026, with a goal to automate critical infrastructure components by 2027.
Initially, 1872 is focusing on producing steel skids, foundational frames for modular buildings, targeting customers developing AI data centers and small modular nuclear reactors. CEO Dan Summers stated that the company is building towards autonomy but not dogmatically, aiming for potentially 80 percent automation to avoid diminishing returns.
The initiative addresses a growing concern over skilled labor shortages in the U.S. manufacturing sector, particularly for roles like welding, which is crucial for building new AI data centers, semiconductor fabs, and other industrial facilities. The American Welding Society projects a significant need for new welding professionals by 2029, exacerbated by an aging workforce and immigration policy changes.
The cofounders, including Summers, Brian Mongilio, and Michael Grant, bring extensive experience from SpaceX, where they utilized "intelligent software" to rapidly and precisely fabricate complex components like the Raptor engines for Starship. This software-driven approach enabled rapid development cycles, a stark contrast to traditional aerospace engine development.
For their initial focus on steel skids, 1872 chose a less precision-critical component compared to aerospace parts, allowing for more room for error in the automation process. The company is integrating robotic arms from partners like Path Robotics for automated welding, which offers significantly higher arc-on times and lower costs per weld inch compared to manual labor.
1872's proprietary "Architect" AI system is designed to create and schedule manufacturing plans based on customer designs, including pricing and material sourcing. This system will then interface with a "Conductor" to orchestrate the factory floor operations, managing material flow and robotic machinery. The company plans to continuously train its AI models with production data to improve the system's long-term performance.
The startup has successfully raised $15 million in seed funding from private funds advised by The O.H.I.O. Fund, which is expected to support the launch of Factory 1 and the development of its automation software and hardware.