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.
Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Shape
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
Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Stroke
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
Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Shape
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
Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Spill _ FLOWPRESS
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
Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Spill_Balloongun
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
Anatomy of a Machine: Stroke
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
SITE SENSE
CONTEXT Every year, there is about $10 trillion in construction-related spending globally, equivalent to 13 percent of GDP. This makes construction one of the largest sectors of the world economy. The sector employs 7% of the world’s working population and, by building the structures in which we live and work, which create our energy, materials, … Read more
ReSkin
Context EU generates 25-30% of all waste from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, much of which remains underutilized or sent to landfills Context while global temperatures are rising towards +4°c, building facades are a main contributor to the urban heat island effect within cities. BY 2050 about 70 % of the world’s population will live … Read more
Cacau I
Brasil is the seventh biggest productor of Cacao worldwide and 60% of its production is from family agriculture located in the states of Pará and South of Bahia. The Chocolate Supply Chain produces substantial amounts of waste, specifically the Cacao Pod Husk and the Cacao Seed Shell. The process of producing the Chocolate goes from … Read more
Anatomy of a Machine: Shape
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
Advanced Fabrication for Circular Materials
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
