Shaping the Future.
I’ve spent 25 years creating products and systems once thought impossible—from rapid-deploy disaster housing to NASA-funded lunar construction, from billion-dollar robotics platforms to AI-driven design tools. My work sits at the edge of design, technology, and strategy, where new markets are born.
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![A robotic lunar rover designed by Michael McDaniel on the moon's rocky surface with a cratered landscape, mountains, and sun rise over the crater rim.]()
Designing Rover Platforms for a New Space Era.
Leveraging additive manufacturing and accessible drone technology, I’ve designed and built affordable rover platforms that redefine what’s possible in small-scale robotics. These prototypes cost a fraction of traditional vehicles, making space exploration more accessible for future missions.
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![An ICON Vulcan printer 3D-printing a house in Georgetown, Texas that Michael McDaniel designed.]()
Revolutionizing Construction with Robotics.
I’ve helped pioneer large-scale robotic 3D-printing systems that transform how we build homes. These technologies deliver stronger, more affordable, and disaster-resilient housing for the 21st century.
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![Futuristic city streetscape rendering with aerial gondolas being used as a new form or urban circulation system for public transport.]()
Rethinking Urban Transit from Above.
Reimagining how cities move, I’ve explored adaptable, aerial transit systems that challenge conventional urban transportation. These concepts integrate cutting-edge design and technology to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and create smarter connections for the future.
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![The stage design for the ICON SXSW 2024 Domus Ex Machina event by Michael McDaniel. Michael was the designer and executive co-producer for the event.]()
Building brands from zero to global.
I’ve helped transform ideas sketched on a whiteboard into globally recognized brands valued in the millions—and, for some, billions of dollars. Through a combination of strategic vision, product design, high-impact events, and compelling content, I’ve guided mission-driven companies to establish themselves as industry leaders.
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![A lunar molten extrusion sample by Michael McDaniel from a lunar printing system that he invented and tested. This sample was LHS-1 lunar simulant processed and extruded by this invention into man-made rock that is stronger than concrete.]()
Inventing Building Materials for Galactic Applications.
I conduct hands-on research in material science and off-world construction, designing solutions for the next frontier. For lunar construction, I’ve developed innovative methods to create building materials from moon dust and energy alone, paving the way for sustainable living beyond Earth.
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![A UI for an AI architect that was concepted and designed by Michael McDaniel, called Vitruvius.]()
Shaping AI Personas for More Seamless and Human-Centered Interactions
Vitruvius isn’t just an AI—it’s a leap forward in how humans and machines collaborate. Designed to emulate a world-class architect, it incorporates artificial personalities and advanced interaction systems to foster trust, creativity, and seamless partnerships between humans and AI.
Inventor.
Designer. Futurist.
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced challenges others avoid—turning bold ideas into groundbreaking solutions that reshape industries and improve lives. From designing systems to withstand natural disasters to creating accessible robotics for space exploration, my work bridges the gap between imagination and real-world impact.
I thrive at the intersection of design, technology, and strategy—whether it’s reimagining how cities move, building sustainable structures on Earth, or envisioning humanity’s future among the stars. With a hands-on approach and a forward-thinking mindset, I push boundaries to make the impossible, possible.
