Hilco Streambank’s Acquisition Opportunity for House of Design Robotics
Introduction to the Announcement
On July 17, 2025, Hilco Streambank, a prominent advisory firm specializing in the valuation and monetization of intangible assets, announced a significant opportunity in the realm of construction automation. The firm is actively seeking offers to acquire the operating assets and intellectual property of House of Design Robotics, a notable player in the industry based in Nampa, Idaho. This move underscores the growing interest in robotic automation technologies within construction, which have proven essential for improving efficiency and addressing labor shortages.
Details of the Assets Available for Acquisition
The auction process includes a diverse array of assets from House of Design Robotics, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements. Key assets for bid include:
- Fixed Operating Assets: This category features essential machinery like robots, forklifts, and other building equipment located at the company’s facilities.
- Proprietary Software: Developed for seamless integration and control, this software is pivotal in the operation of robotic systems.
- Intellectual Property: This includes issued U.S. utility patents and their foreign equivalents, alongside trademarks that protect the unique technologies developed by House of Design.
These assets are particularly relevant for companies looking to enhance their capacities in the construction sector.
Auction Timeline and Participation
Bids for the assets are due by August 11, 2025, with an auction scheduled for August 13, 2025. Hilco Streambank encourages interested parties to reach out directly via email to facilitate the bidding process and to gather more information about the assets and auction details.
Historical Context of House of Design Robotics
Founded in 2012, House of Design Robotics has made significant advancements in construction automation. The company has specialized in developing turnkey robotic systems for various processes such as floor and roof truss assembly, wall panel fabrication, and material handling. The implementation of their robotic technologies has proven effective, successfully addressing several challenges faced in offsite construction, such as:
- Labor Shortages: With a consistent shortage of skilled labor, robotic solutions offer a way to streamline operations.
- Safety Risks: Automating certain tasks can reduce workplace injuries and improve overall safety in construction sites.
- Production Inefficiencies: Robotic systems enhance productivity by performing tasks more consistently and at a faster rate than human labor alone.
Their technology has been successfully deployed at numerous manufacturing locations across the United States and Australia, underscoring its effectiveness and market readiness.
Strategic Importance of the Assets
Gabe Fried, CEO of Hilco Streambank, highlighted that the assets up for auction present an opportunity for strategic operators or investors. He noted that the proprietary intellectual property, robotics integration software, and equipment are designed to tackle persistent issues in the construction manufacturing sector. With a growing emphasis on prefabrication and offsite construction amid pressing economic factors—including the need for affordable housing—the available assets serve as an attractive entry point into an under-automated market with significant demand.
Auction Process and Legal Considerations
The assets from House of Design Robotics will be auctioned publicly pursuant to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. It is significant to note that these assets will be sold free and clear of any liens or subordinate security interests, reinforcing the potential for buyers to acquire the assets without encumbrances. The assets will be sold on an "as-is, where-is" basis, which is a common practice in such auctions, indicating that buyers will accept them in their current condition without any warranties from the seller.
About Hilco Streambank
Hilco Streambank has established itself as a leading advisory firm in the disposition and valuation of intellectual property. Over the years, the firm has managed various transactions, including those in bankruptcy cases and private sales. It operates as part of Hilco Global, headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, which specializes in maximizing asset value through a range of services—from valuation and appraisal to inventory acquisition and strategic capital investments.
This acquisition opportunity from House of Design Robotics encapsulates the converging trends of technological innovation and construction needs, opening doors for new entrants into this dynamic sector.