The Master Programme in Robotics and Advanced Construction is an innovative educational format that offers interdisciplinary skills and understanding through a series of class seminars that are put into practice through hands-on workshops. IAAC gives students the opportunity to create individual studio agendas and develop Pilot Thesis Projects based on the knowledge acquired during the seminars and workshops split into 3 Modules. In this way, IAAC puts together an experimental learning environment for the training of professionals with both theoretical and practical responses to the increasing complexity of the construction sector.
Objective. Over three weeks, the teams develop a process to create a painting using a robot with a paintbrush, studying the brushstroke, paint properties, and the relationship between human gesture and machine movement. We began by working manually, then incorporated digital work and the robot. The final A2 painting reflected the robot’s anatomy and how … Read more
This project comprises of 5 rapid prototypes developed over the course of 3 weeks. Each prototype is developed with a focus on a material and a process. These investigations were a means of developing the skillset of rapidly developing a robotic process and simultaneously became the palette from which we select our research lines for … Read more
OBJECTIVE Understand the anatomy of the hand-drawn brushstrokes During the first phase of this exercise we were tasked with studying the essence of a paint brush stroke. This involved understanding the tool itself: the flexibility of the hair, the viscosity of the paint, and the length of a stroke before the paint is finished. We … Read more
INTRO As part of the “Anatomy of a Machine – Shape” course, we engaged in an exercise that explores the possibilities of robotic material manipulation through various tools and techniques. Our objective was to research and experiment with sustainable, accessible, and locally available materials, applying scientific and creative principles to produce unique prototypes. This process … Read more
Introduction This seminar invites students to explore making custom made spillers controlled by Arduino and a 6-axes robotic arm in order to paint spills on canvas with black acrylic paint. Context Recently we have clearly observed immense changes in production, prototyping, and innovation that has been influenced by open source software, firmware and hardware. Human … Read more
Practical Introduction to Electronics (MRAC Hardware 01) Github: MRAC-IAAC/balloongun Objectives. The Hardware Module 1 is intended to give an overview of the state of the art in robotic actuation, discussing the practical implementation of such actuators, and brainstorm how these actuators and the robotic arms could bring new levels of versatility, agility and efficiency to … Read more
Introduction The “Anatomy of a Machine” project marks the beginning of our exploration into the interplay between human and robotic gestures in creating art. This exercise, undertaken as part of the MRAC first term studio, encouraged us to delve into the fundamental properties of brush strokes, from manual experimentation to robotic automation. Over three weeks, … Read more
Objective. The primary focus of the project is to foster a sense of curiosity about the robotic arm and its ability to manipulate various sustainable construction materials through different processes. Teams are encouraged to apply their newly acquired hardware and software skills, alongside the robotic tools and equipment available in the robotic lab, to explore … Read more
The construction industry has long been a major contributor to global resource consumption and waste production. In response to these challenges, circularity in construction has emerged as a transformative approach aimed at reducing environmental impacts, conserving resources, and promoting sustainability. This blog explores the core parameters of circularity in construction—materials, design, and energy consumption—and provides … Read more
Process Defined “Advanced Manufacturing for Non-Standardized Materials” refers to the use of innovative manufacturing techniques to work with materials that do not conform to conventional standards or specifications.” Advanced Manufacturing: This encompasses cutting-edge technologies and methods, such as automation, robotics, 3D printing, and computer-aided design (CAD), which enhance efficiency, precision, and flexibility in the manufacturing … Read more
An Intersectional Investigation Robotics is the field of study focused on the research and application of robotic systems. This definition, however, doesn’t provide much insight. So, what is a robot? Robots are machines that can operate autonomously or through programmed input to perform specific tasks, often replacing human effort. These tasks are typically complex and … Read more
From capturing intricate geometries to enhancing processes, our research emphasizes in innovation in construction and data optimization, showcasing the transformative potential of advanced scanning tools. These technologies not only enhance our ability to capture the intricacies of physical structures but also provide actionable insights for a variety of applications. Research Topics 1. Fabrication OptimizationWe leveraged … Read more
1 | INTRODUCTION What is willow weaving and why do it with a robot? Willow weaving as a robotic operation needs to be understood in context. Our archaeological records date bake basket weaving back over 14000 years, older than pottery. An ancient craft that is practiced today in virtually the same way that it has … Read more
Team member(s): Govind Chithrath, Santosh Shenbagamoorthy, Krystyn Kontos , Aleksandra Kraeva and Lauren DemingModified by Lauren Deming on November 24, 2024 Ultimately, the goal is to develop more efficient means for harvesting and utilizing low-carbon footprint alternatives for construction. Course Objective Project Abstract Autonomous Weaving with Raw Materials explores the intersection between weaving automation and the use of raw materials. After analyzing … Read more
Introduction As part of the workshop led by Javier Fuentes and Moritz Dörstelmann the Chair of Digital Design and Fabrication (DDF) at the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), our team explored the potential of willow as an innovative material in architecture. This project merges sustainability, advanced design, and robotic technology to develop breathable and adaptive … Read more
Introduction: This seminar invited students to explore weaving of natural materials with the help of a 6-axes robotic arm in order to create a physical woven module. Context: Weaving techniques have been around for thousands of years with various hand made small applications but now with digital fabrication tools we are able to implement those … Read more
The Hardware-I seminar explores different hardware tools for the purpose of making a custom end effector to be mounted on the robot flange. The objective of this end effector is to spill paint on a canvas. In our project, we aimed to control and precisely calibrate the smallest splash of paint possible by exploring one … Read more
Practical Introduction to Electronics (MRAC Hardware 01) Github: MRAC-IAAC/balloongun Objectives. The Hardware Module 1 is intended to give an overview of the state of the art in robotic actuation, discussing the practical implementation of such actuators, and brainstorm how these actuators and the robotic arms could bring new levels of versatility, agility and efficiency to … Read more
1 | Impetus 2 | Concept The underlying phenomena that inspired the project were acoustic standing waves and cantilever vibrations. These principles represent the intricate interplay of physics in shaping patterns and movements in materials, serving as the foundation for the development of the device. By harnessing these phenomena, our project aims to explore novel … Read more
Introduction This seminar invites students to explore making custom made spillers controlled by Arduino and a 6-axes robotic arm in order to paint spills on canvas with black acrylic paint. Context Recently we have clearly observed immense changes in production, prototyping, and innovation that has been influenced by open source software, firmware and hardware. Human … Read more
Bio-Additive Manufacturing with Cork Topology optimisation – Arriving at an absolute Topology optimization is a shape optimization method that uses algorithmic models to optimize material layout within a user-defined space for a given set of loads, conditions, and constraints Topology optimisation maximizes the performance and efficiency of the design by removing redundant material from areas … Read more
Cork-based 3d printing – Topological Optimisation Design Introduction The seminar invites students to explore new materials, additive processes and new fields of applications through robotic 3d printing taking advantage of the potential of the 6-axes of the robotic arm. Context Recently we have clearly observed immense changes in architectural design development. Architecture has been influenced … Read more
Testing the potential of cork as a construction material through non-planar 3D printing of computationally generated branching structures. INTRODUCTION Our investigation takes place against the backdrop of rapidly growing trends towards computational design tools and advanced construction methodologies. This investigation forms part of a 1 week workshop which focusses on additive manufacturing of biomaterials. In … Read more
