Obayashi Construction 3D Printing / Additive Construction
Develops robotic 3D printing systems for large-format concrete structural components in construction and metal additive manufacturing (WAAM) for industrial fabrication, reducing construction time and enabling complex geometries with material optimization.
- CEO / Founder
- Toshimi Sato
- Team Size
- 10000+
- Stage
- Public
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- IPO
Technology & Products
Key Products
Obayashi Corporation's key business areas include building construction, civil engineering, and real estate development. They also provide general contractor services for a wide range of projects, including office buildings, residences, tunnels, and highways, and are exploring emerging sectors like green energy.
Technological Advantage
Proprietary 3D printer design (developed 2017) for special printing mortar discharged via robot arm nozzle; process qualification for building codes (Building Standards Act compliance); stress-optimized slab design reducing material by following structural force lines; proven at scale (3dpod pavilion, large shell-shaped benches).
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces construction time via integrated printing+installation workflows; enables stress-optimized designs (ribs follow force lines); decreases material waste in structural elements; qualifies as building-code-approved construction method (demonstrated via 3dpod certifications).
How They Differentiate
Scale and integration advantage: largest Japanese general contractor applying 3D printing to real commercial projects; government-certified building method with full construction process integration; dual modality (concrete printing + metal WAAM) vs. single-technology competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
General contractors, construction firms, industrial manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Construction; Industrial Manufacturing; Civil Engineering
Competitors
Kajima Corporation, Shimizu Corporation, Taisei Corporation, Takenaka Corporation
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Revenue ¥2.62 trillion (~$17.3B USD, FY2023–2024); 17,305 employees; ¥1 billion (~$6.5M USD) 5-year investment in construction technology R&D (announced ~2020); 130+ years operational (established 1892); 12.68% revenue growth year-over-year (FY2023–2024).
Major Milestones
2017 — Developed proprietary 3D printer for special mortar printing (robot arm nozzle discharge); 2019–2020 — Constructed Japan's largest 3D-printed shell-shaped bench at Technical Research Institute (Kiyose, Tokyo); 2024 — Completed 3dpod pavilion — first 3D-printed, earthquake-proof building in Japan with Building Standards Act certification and ministerial approval; 2024 — Established Obayashi Construction-Tech Lab Singapore (OCLS) as dedicated 3D printing R&D center in partnership with NTU; 2025 — Demonstrated metal WAAM (Wire & Arc Additive Manufacturing) technology fabricating 'The brænch' roofed bench (30 metal components)
Notable Customers
Jewel Changi Airport (Singapore), Nippon Life Tower, Takanawa Gateway Station