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.


Glazing Virtuoso

Our project represents the intersection of traditional ceramic craftsmanship and the precision of modern robotics, aiming to innovate within the field of ceramic glazing. The Essence of Ceramics and Glazing Ceramics, an integral part of human civilization, find their essence in the art of glazing. This process transforms simple clay objects into functional and decorative … Read more

Timber Narratives

Leveraging Computer Vision for Sustainable Design with dimensional waste timber Building upon the established design principles of disassembly explored in the prior semester, Timber Narratives this semester investigated the potential of computer vision and image analytics to further optimize material conditioning and manufacturing processes for dimensional waste timber. This iterative approach aimed to integrate data-driven … Read more

ReWeave 2.0

The Context Aim State Of The Art The Workflow System Architecture Robotic Cell Scanning – Robotic cell Scanning Nesting – Initial Experiments Nesting Custom logic Iteration A Nesting Custom logic Iteration B Binder – Geopolymer with alkaline activators –  Sodium silicate Binder – Geopolymer with alkaline activators –  Sodium silicate and Sodium hydroxide Binder – … Read more

Reliving

State of the Art Raw Timber and AEC Industry Wood waste is often disregarded in the wood industry and the construction industry. Majority of wood used in construction is sawn and processed wood that not only generates waste on its production but it is also associated with high CO2 emissions, because of the embodied energy … Read more

Manifesto for a New Era in Construction: Embracing AI

“In the dawn of this new era, the construction industry stands at the threshold of transformation, poised to redefine its legacy through the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and comprehensive data analytics.”* This manifesto aims to put forward the benefits of AI and how it can help the The construction business be improved by collecting … Read more

Crafting Spaces: The Role of Art in the Contemporary Industry of Architecture

This manifesto has been inspired by artist Maja Smrekar’s master class at IAAC, wherein she illuminated the myriad possibilities and variables that art can encompass when integrated with the digital tools available to today. The designer’s key intensions on “How Contemporary Art could incorporate the latest technology” as world is evolving with this bespoke technology. … Read more

Follow Me

Aim To explore innovative parametric tiling designs through the utilization of robotic tiling setups. The project aim is to utilize the functions of  COMPAS framework and its extensions for robotic planning. Also, to incorporate computer vision and scanning information into the tiling process to enhance precision and efficiency. Design Logic Inspired by the idea of … Read more

Robotic Gaudi

AIM DESIGN The three distinct design methodologies we explored employed grayscale image mapping, where the gray areas functioned as attractors and filters for colored circles. Our second experiment focused on employing curves as generators for the spatial arrangement and packing of a variety of larger circles. The third methodology extended our exploration to the incorporation … Read more

Kangaroo follows the COMPAS

This project documents a 1-week workshop that introduced students to the COMPAS framework. Our goal was to design a tile mosaic that would be part of a collaborative pick-and-place workflow with the UR5, incorporating COMPAS Fab, Kangaroo (Grasshopper), and ROS. What is COMPAS? Utilizing the COMPAS framework developed by Gramazio Kohler Research and the larger … Read more

Natural Terracotta Air Conditioners – NTAC

Pathways to decarbonization or the dissolution of our illusions. In the midst of a scorching summer, a weary homeowner welcomed the arrival of a shiny new air conditioner, seeking respite from the oppressive heat. Grateful for the cool breeze that soon filled the living room, they savored the relief it brought. However, unbeknownst to them, … Read more

DigiPix

INTELLIGENT SENSING AND VISION This project aims to develop an interactive LED matrix capable of dynamically responding to real-time behaviors in its surrounding environment while ensuring versatility in its applications. By integrating sensors to detect various environmental stimuli and employing advanced data processing techniques, the LED matrix will generate dynamic visual patterns that reflect the … Read more

Data_visualization

CONTEXT Consequences of carbon emission Building operations are responsible for approximately 27% annually, while the embodied carbon of just four building and infrastructure materials – cement, iron, steel, and aluminum – are responsible for an additional 15% annually EuropeanClimateLaw The European Climate Law writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting … Read more

Reclaim Rover

The integration of a rover or swarm of rovers into construction demolition sites represents a paradigm shift in waste management practices. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI algorithms, this rover possesses the capability to accurately identify and segregate valuable materials such as steel and metal amidst debris and rubble. These rovers operate seamlessly alongside human … Read more

#Socialtrend

The building and construction industry is currently not meeting the targets for achieving decarbonization by 2050. Heightened environmental expectations from regulators, investors, and occupants have led to an uneven business landscape.Regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as building codes and energy efficiency standards, are becoming more stringent, further complicating the landscape for businesses. … Read more

Mycelium in Construction for Catalonia

Throughout this blog we will highlight each section and we hope to inspire others like the way we have been inspired. We will present a progressive material, then show how we get this material integrated into the construction world. Proposition “ We propose that the usage of Mycelium should be legalised in the Code for … Read more

Circularity on the blockchain

The construction sector is responsible for more than 35% of the waste generated in the European Union. At the same time, the materials and products used in this sector can have a life span of several decades. In the long term, having data on the origin of each material would be ideal to promote its … Read more

Serial Link

This project explores how serial data written by environmental sensors can control and influence the appearance of digital media. The outcome of Serial Link was a wearable device that incorporates a ESP32, Gyroscope, ultrasonic sensor, and a power bank that can control digital media in touch designer through network access. What is serial data?Utilizing the … Read more

A Proposal for Sustainable Foundation Systems

This hypothetical study aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction sector by incorporating cutting-edge technologies during the foundational stage. Our focus is on ensuring 100% renewable energy usage and optimizing energy consumption. Our focus Addressing all foundation types and their associated components and processes would be too broad for us to effectively handle. To … Read more

Albert: The Rock, Paper, Scissors Robotic Hand

Albert, is a rock-paper-scissors robotic hand designed to serve as a playing partner for the rock-paper-scissors game, aiming to bridge human-robot interaction. Rock-paper-scissors is a universally understood game, known for its simplicity and effectiveness in decision-making. Our objective was to establish a unified language between a robot and a human by humanizing the robot. We … Read more

Between Coral Reefs, Rovers and Foundation Systems

In this proposal, our objective is to explore the synergies and interconnectedness of various systems. Specifically, we have grouped together to investigate how coral reef restoration techniques, autonomous rovers, and sustainable foundation systems can collaborate to develop compelling decarbonization proposals. Reef Platform + Rover Submersive Rovers to detect fishing nets and remove it in Punta … Read more

Kinect Surfaces (Light and Sound)

State of the Art In recent decades, kinetic facades have surfaced as innovative architectural elements, offering alternative building envelopes tailored to address escalating and intricate demands related to user comfort, energy consumption, and cost efficiency. Various articulations of this concept have been advanced, encompassing approaches that span from the integration of inventive components to the … Read more

Framework for Coral Reef Restoration

Coral reefs play a pivotal role in the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon dioxide, acting as natural carbon sinks. Through the process of calcification, corals convert carbon dioxide from the water into limestone (calcium carbonate) structures, which comprise the coral skeleton. This not only helps in reducing the amount of CO2 in the ocean but … Read more