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.
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
(re)bar; a theoretical context for recycled reinforcement steel bars
dba Re2bar, LLC. Course Overview While the Robotic in Construction Term II Studio Course focuses on means and methods of robotic processes for sustainable materials, this term’s Applied Theory course, Theory and Contexts, fosters analytical thinking about how these materials may be relevant in the industry, addressing the sector’s resource waste (35% EU total) and … Read more
Paramorph Furniture
Context Architecture, in general, is the least optimized industry. This results in more workload and less output. Hence the productivity rate is negative 1.4. In the furniture industry, even loose or modular furniture, typically expected to have quicker turnaround times faces significant delays due to the manual nature of customization and the complexity of matching … Read more
ROBOTS AS ADVERTISING AGENTS
Abstract The project “Robots as Advertising Agents” explores the integration of robotics in the advertising industry to create dynamic, interactive, and memorable brand experiences. As advertising shifts toward experiential and engaging methods, robots equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensors, and communication systems can act as captivating agents that interact with audiences in … Read more
Robotic Craft Interaction
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
Scanning for Building Innovation
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
Pitch Deck – Estudio Ona
Supply Chain Opportunity to Solve The immense volume of organic waste generated by Brazil’s agricultural and food industries, including residues from cocoa, açaí, Brazil nuts, passion fruit, cupuaçu, buriti, and murumuru, represents a significant untapped resource. These byproducts, often discarded without proper utilization, contribute to environmental challenges and economic losses. Many of the companies highlighted, … Read more
ReLeaf – Term I
Aerial Reforestation Using Autonomous Drones Context Desertification in Spain is a significant environmental issue driven by a combination of natural and human factors. Over 74% of Spain’s land is at risk of desertification, particularly in regions like Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, and Castilla-La Mancha. For Spain, this is a massive problem as it leads to biodiversity … Read more
Rethinking the Skin
Carbon Based Design | Designing Circularity in the Built Environment Introduction The intensive five-day program centered on measuring the carbon footprint and investigating novel solutions for the upcoming IAAC building. The goal was to submit a solution that would reduce the carbon deposited in the building materials by 40 percent. To make things easier in the … Read more
BANDY2_1.2_Willow weaving
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
PlayScape – A Pavilion Crafted with Robotic Fabrication and Irregular Timber Offcuts
Playscape is a pavilion designed for children, crafted through robotic fabrication and guided by the principles of discrete architecture. The project utilizes timber offcuts—irregular remnants from the construction industry—as the primary material, transforming waste into a functional and playful architectural form. For this workshop, the material provided consisted of irregular wooden beam offcuts which served … Read more
ROBOT-ASSISTED WEAVING + RAW MATERIALS / MRAC Workshop 1.2
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
Weaving Natural Materials – Breathing Curtain Wall
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
Weaving Natural Materials / MRAC & MAA Workshop 1.2.
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
