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.


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AIbotix: Optimizing Construction Workflows Through Spatial Cognition and an AI Agent in Robotics

“Spatial Cognition in Robotics: Optimizing Construction Workflow with AI”Shu Xiao – MRAC02 Thesis, IAAC 2024–2025 Despite advances in manufacturing automation, the construction industry continues to rely heavily on manual labor due to its unpredictable environment, safety concerns, and fragmented workflows. This project explores how vision-guided robotics and real-time AI agents can close that gap by … Read more

WORKSHOP 3.2 _ REFLECTION

“Precision becomes poetry through reflection and sound.” Reflection is an immersive installation that explores the potential of precision and reflection between two robotic arms through synchronized movements. Equipped with mirrors, the robots become both instruments and performers. Concept: The law of reflection The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to … Read more

Applied Theory III _ Un_Log Factory

INTRODUCTION In today’s construction industry, a large portion of timber is discarded due to its non-standard shape, curvature, or internal defects. Un_Log Factory challenges this paradigm by proposing a digitally augmented fabrication system that embraces the natural irregularity of timber. Instead of seeing bent or cracked logs as waste, our process redefines them as raw … Read more

Rock the Rock

A Real-Time Audio-Visual Stone Symphony Rock the Rock is an interactive audio-visual installation that identifies and tracks rocks in real time, generating dynamic sound and projection overlays. By leveraging computer vision and finite state machines, it transforms geological forms into a sensory experience. Concept and Context This project served as our introduction to Finite State … Read more

Machine Learning Strategies for Toolpath Optimization in Fabrication

In the ongoing pursuit of efficient toolpath generation, we set out to build a modular, logic-driven system capable of planning subtractive manufacturing strategies. The framework integrated zonal segmentation, directional movement, and dynamic state awareness; its goal was adaptability and long-term scalability. While we achieved full system functionality, this initial iteration exposed the distance between a … Read more

Workshop 3.1_KAPLA-Nest

| INTRODUCTION | Learning Structures: From Parametric Rules to Machine-Made Forms. In this project, we explored the interplay between parametric design, machine learning, and robotic fabrication. Starting from Kapla block assemblies controlled by simple deformation rules, we trained a GAN to reinterpret and generate new structural variations. The process concluded with robotic pick-and-place construction, closing … Read more

Software III _ UN_LOG FACTORY

Github : https://github.com/Clarrainl/UN_LOG-Factory | INTRODUCTION | Detecting wood defects in 3D-scanned logs using Machine Learning In the timber industry, a significant portion of wood gets discarded due to irregularities or defects that make it unusable under standard practices. However, many of these logs can still be used creatively or structurally if properly understood and classified. This project … Read more

Hey Jarvis, let’s Collaborate!

This project explores a framework for Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) and behavioural fabrication, focusing on constructing a Jenga-like tower using small timber blocks. Using the Agent-Based Modeling system (ABxM) from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), a communication network was established integrating a human participant, a computer vision system, and an interactive audio interface. … Read more

Peacock Immersive Experience

Concept Most of Virtual Experiences are designed and model for humans and by humans. In this scenario believe the overall concept is that the game platform is seen from the perspective of an animal. References Aim “Our goal is to offer humans a unique experience through the eyes of a peacock. This game platform immerses … Read more

Machine Learning to predict no. of seating spaces

Aim: To predict the number of seating spaces based on various types of seating layout, number of corridors and dimensions of generative enclosed rectangular spaces such as an auditorium. Objectives: Dataset Design: To create Dataset for the required problem, a synthetic dataset is designed with the help of various bylaws supporting the problem. Data Analysis: … Read more

Timber outlook

The project’s objective was to create a machine-learning model capable of classifying repurposed timber components within an assembly process as either structural or non-structural, using factors such as defect quantity, age, and exposure to weather conditions as input. Dataset Generation and Analysis The dataset was produced using Roboflow by utilizing scans of the timber elements … Read more

Predicting Ceramic Underglaze Colors

Our aim is to develop a machine learning model that accurately predicts the color outcome of ceramic underglazes based on their ingredient compositions and firing conditions. In the world of ceramic art, the process of underglazing involves applying colors to pottery which are then sealed under a transparent glaze before firing. However, predicting the final … Read more

Print – Scan – Cut

Preliminary steps towards a hybrid workflow for smooth 3D printed surfaces. Aim To develop a hybrid workflow to obtain smooth surfaces on 3D printed clay for improved alignment and surface finish. State of the Art Additive manufacturing enables the precise and cost-effective creation of complex designs while minimizing waste. One of the shortcomings common to … Read more

re(al)form

The construction industry has shown an increasing interest in adapting to more environmentally friendly materials, with wood gaining popularity as a natural and sustainable option for buildings. However, the wood industry contributes a significant percentage of energy consumption during the entire wood lifecycle, encompassing tree cutting, transportation to sawmills, and delivery to construction sites. Additionally, … Read more

Building Instincts

In this workshop, we collaborated all together to investigate the neuro-evolution (artificial evolution defining neural networks) as a strategy to develop autonomous behaviours of mobile robots (in this workshop we used Turtlebots) to perform given tasks. We used N.E.A.T. (NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies) as a method framework for artificial evolution of these robot controllers and increased … Read more