The Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction (MRAC) seeks to train a new generation of interdisciplinary professionals who are capable of facing our growing need for a more sustainable and optimised construction ecosystem. The Master is focused on the emerging design and market opportunities arising from novel robotic and advanced manufacturing systems.
Through a mixture of seminars, workshops, and studio projects, the master programme challenges the traditional processes in the Construction Sector. It investigates how advances in robotics and digital fabrication tools change the way we build and develop processes and design tools for such new production methods.
We asked, what if we could combine robotic processes with renewable materials to create adaptable, efficient, and ecological construction methods? Could robotics be more than speed and automation — could it help us shape materials in ways that respect and enhance their natural properties? Terra Weave is our answer — this is a system that … Read more
In an era dominated by concrete and steel, the Sticks & Stones project revisits the architectural potential of stone and timber—materials with a rich historical legacy—through the precision of robotic fabrication. This initiative sought to develop a reversible, precise architectural system that bridges traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital tools. By tackling the challenges of natural … Read more
The Problem The built environment is responsible for 42% of annual global CO₂ emissions. Within this, building operations and construction alone contribute nearly one-third. Yet, current construction methods lack flexibility, efficient resource use, and environmentally friendly solutions. This is the context that drove our project. Terraweave Solution TerraWeave integrates robotics, wattle and daub construction and … Read more
EU generate 25-30% of all waste from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, much of which remains underutilized or sent to landfills. Context whilst global temperatures are rising towards +4°c, building facades are a main contributors to the urban heat island effect within cities.2050 about 70 % of the world’s population will live in cities.The building … Read more
Introduction In a world where natural resources are increasingly scarce, the construction industry faces a crucial challenge: reducing material waste and maximizing the use of available resources. Wood, a traditionally used construction material, is at the center of this issue. Every year, millions of tons of wood are discarded or underutilized due to its irregular … Read more
a new use for construction debris. Shape | Anatomy of a System | course overview. This term’s studio course emphasized refining prototypes through a bottom-up approach, integrating sustainability by considering material recyclability and availability. We developed precise prototypes using new technologies, bridging robotic fabrication with traditional craft techniques to explore sustainable architectural solutions. State of … Read more
Robotic Fabrication of Friction-Based Timber Joinery: Burr Puzzle Assembly This research explores robotic assembly of friction-based interlocking timber joints using the burr puzzle as a case study. The puzzle’s tight tolerances and sequential assembly pose challenges. Through modeling and robotic execution, the study shows that while a single-robot approach is feasible, dual robots are necessary … Read more
Workflow for Detection (Transformation to the Real World) Test for getting the points in real world Workflow for Detection (Getting points into the Trajectory) Test for getting the points in real world Workflow for Detection (Processing on Point Cloud) Test for getting the points in real world Machina Connection for ABB_6700 (Simulation)
For this term experiments and tests were conducted for the evaluation markers of the biocomposite of PLA with different charges of Cacau Seed Shell and the Fabrication performances of each biocomposite charges. Tests on mechanical perfomances such as Tensile Strenght, Flexural Stress and Izod Impact were conducted. Compostability tests were also setup in the range … Read more
Aerial Reforestation Using Autonomous Drones Desertification threatens 74% of Spain’s land, worsened by deforestation and wildfires. To aid reforestation, this project develops an open-source drone for autonomous terrain analysis and seed dispersal. Using the Holybro X500 V2, it integrates SLAM for mapping and navigation. Initial work focused on hardware setup and autonomous flight. Future steps … Read more
AIM The goal is to teleoperate both the Husky robot and the UR10e arm, enabling them to avoid obstacles on the floor and push those that are unavoidable. To achieve this, we designed a system that allows the user to control both robots using any available camera, incorporating hand tracking for intuitive command execution. SYSTEM … Read more
As businesses evolve in the 21st century, success is no longer measured by profit alone. Today, organizations are expected to create meaningful value for people, the planet, and the broader economy. The Sustainable Business Canvas is a strategic tool that helps businesses embed sustainability at the core of their operations by assessing not just economic … Read more
Digital Transformation of Discarded Logs for Structural and Design Applications Re_Shape is a design and innovation project that addresses a major blind spot in the forestry industry: the waste of tree trunks that are curved, bifurcated, or otherwise irregular and therefore excluded from traditional processing systems. These logs are typically downgraded into low-value products like … Read more
