Amazon’s internal Project Houdini aims to cut data center construction from 15 weeks to 2-3 weeks using prefabricated modular server rooms

Amazon is developing an initiative called Project Houdini that moves data center construction off-site, replacing the traditional on-site assembly process with large prefabricated modules called skids that arrive from factories with racks, power distribution, cabling, lighting, and fire and security systems already installed. Internal documents obtained by Business Insider show the approach can reduce server installation timelines from roughly 15 weeks to two to three weeks and eliminate up to 50,000 on-site electrician hours per data center. Amazon expects Houdini to be ready by August and is designing it to support a buildout pipeline that could eventually reach more than 100 data centers per year, with initial module production planned in Topeka, Houston, and Salt Lake City.