The seminar aims to introduce participants to robotic manipulation processes for the fabrication and assembly of segmented shell structures while investigating whether cork panels can be used to fulfil all the functions of the building envelope, providing thermal and acoustic insulation as well as satisfactory structural performances in a complex domed structure, easy to assemble and disassemble.


Syllabus


Credits: Visual of the robotic fabrication and assembly process, Valentino Tagliaboschi

This one-week intensive seminar aims to introduce participants to robotic manipulation processes for the fabrication and assembly of segmented shell structures while investigating whether cork panels can be used to fulfil all the functions of the building envelope, providing thermal and acoustic insulation as well as satisfactory structural performances in a complex domed structure, easy to assemble and disassemble.

The proposed robotic fabrication workflow integrates pick-and-place with part-to-tool operations. We refer to part-to-tool processes when the robot holds the part and brings it to the tool, facilitating the integration of multiple operations with various tools.

Participants will collaborate in groups to develop a design-to-fabrication strategy for small architectural objects such as cabins, shelters, office pods, meeting rooms, phone booths, or pavilions. Simultaneously, students will engage in hands-on fabrication and assembly of a small demonstrator using the IaaC’s new robot ABB IRB 6700, gaining practical experience in robot motion planning and implementation.

Learning Objectives

At course completion the student will:

  • Fundamentals of motion planning and toolpath design for robotic fabrication;
  • Basics of robotic kinematics, simulation and control;
  • Tool calibration and robot operation;
  • Pick-and-place and part-to-tool robotic processes;
  • Design strategies for segmented shell structures: planar and offsettable tiling of freeforms;
  • Design for robotic fabrication and assembly.

Faculty


Faculty Assistants


Projects from this course

Terratwist

Introduction to Robotic Fabrication Seminar This project explores robotic fabrication techniques for clay-based structures, focusing on non-uniform and non-planar extrusion. Utilizing a six-axis robotic arm, the project investigates material behavior, toolpath optimization, and structural stability through digital simulations and real-world fabrication trials. The column design integrates rotational movements and varying extrusion heights to achieve complex … Read more

Adaptive TimberWall

Robot-Assisted Assembly in Wood Construction- We designed and built a parametric wall using robotic arm technology to achieve precision, efficiency, and complex shapes that are challenging to create using traditional methods. The robotic arm followed a computer-generated design, converting digital models into precise physical forms. This automated process allowed for seamless material placement, optimized structural … Read more

HYPAR PORTABLES

SEMINAR OVERVIEW ROBOTIC SIMULATION FABRICATION PROCESS DESIGN PROPOSAL CONTEXT DESIGN DRAWINGS WORKFLOW STRUCTURE Robotic Simulation – of Panel Cutting and Placing based on Design RENDERS

SilentShell

Segmented Shell Structures with Cork Panels: Design, Robotic Fabrication and Assembly “SilentShell” explores the use of cork for sound absorption in creating buffer partitions within the IAAC workspace, employing a shell structure concept. The design features a wooden frame with cork panels, fabricated through a combination of robotic and human efforts. The process includes preparing … Read more