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.
ReWeave_3.0
Abstract: The ReWeave project develops a robotic system to repurpose construction and demolition (C&D) waste into functional, attractive walls, enhancing human-robot collaboration. We created a database by scanning broken tiles to extract shape, size, and color information, then developed custom nesting algorithms to optimize tile arrangement. The workflow includes scanning tiles, exporting outlines via ROS, … Read more
Robot of Babel
नमस्ते – مرحبًا – OLÁ – HOLÁ AIM Our aim is to make Human Robot Collaboration accessible to a variety of users via different languages by developing a speech to toolpath interface. RELEVANCE METHOD Workflow As the participant enters the room, they are greeted by a robot with a friendly waving motion. The participant can … Read more
#Being_Humane
What if you can control your Cobot with only hand gestures and you can work effortlessly? That’s what we came up with this experiment of using Multi agent systems to control the engagement of a collaborative robot (ur10e).Our workshop highlights an innovative approach to controlling cobots using hand gestures. This method aims to facilitate effortless … Read more
BLABBER BOT
Building Together, One Word at a Time AIM The aim of this project is to enhance human-robot collaboration through the development of a user-friendly system that creates an inclusive environment. Text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) systems enable humans and robots to communicate in anintuitive and engaging way. Relevance One major issue was that the human … 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
Shape it, feel it
Working in 3D CAD environments can be restrictive. While most CAD software provides tools for creating shapes and generating ideas, they often rely on a mouse and keyboard, or are very expensive. “Shape it, Feel it” investigates opportunities to generate shapes using a computer’s webcam and hand gestures. We utilize cheap and readily available hardware … 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
Wired Warriors
Aim “Create a range of robotic mini-games showcasing dexterity and quick reflexes, ideal for casual enjoyment.“ For this one week workshop, we drew inspiration from various games such as infinite passes, penalty shootouts, and boxing, aiming to adapt them for robotic play. Initially leaning towards infinite passes (football), we ultimately found boxing more compatible with … Read more
DANCING QUEENS
Due to limitation regarding the file size and quality, these performances are muted, lower quality and sped up to be under the limited file capacity. Dancing Queen(s) is an endeavor featuring a pair of robots performing synchronized dance moves. These choreographed movements mirror those of a trainer, who leads, and a follower, who emulates the … Read more
Strings of life
This project was part of a 1 week workshop at IAAC, utilizing the institute’s two ABB IRB6700 industrial robots. The workshop incorporated Dr. Gannon’s sophisticated simulation tools, which provide safe, real-time control of industrial robots. Under the guidance of Madeline showing us how to sketch with robots we were able to work within a flexible … 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
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
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
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
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
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
Truss and Roof Health
ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS FOR 3D SPACE ANALYSIS AIM This workshop ran in collaboration with Noumena and IAAC where we were introduced to a environmental scanning and data processing workflows which combined the use of photogrammetry and point-cloud data. The site of the study was at IAAC’s new building which is yet to be constructed. From this … Read more
Stylized Point Cloud
Aim The main objective is to generate a new formation of point cloud of the new IAAC building, that is inspired from a style (Artistic /Architectural) using AI / Machine learning and change the existing point cloud with the the new stylized point cloud. State of The Art Image-to-image translation is a class of vision … Read more
Real Time mapping using TurtleBot with Object detection and avoidance
Brief Our aim in this project was to generate real time mapping with object detection and object avoidance with a Turtle_bot using ROS. Embracing Ubuntu and creating workspaces alongside docker, we were able to create a system which allowed us to map an environment and find obstacles within. From this we were curious into what … Read more
