Circular Robotic Construction
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Author / Producer
Date
2024
Publication Type
Book Chapter
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
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Abstract
In situ robotic construction is a type of construction where mobile robotic systems build directly on the building site. To enable on-site navigation, industrial robots can be integrated with mobile bases, while mobile, high-payload construction machines can be adapted for autonomous operation. With parallel advances in sensor processing, these robotic construction processes can become robust and capable of handling non-standard, local, as-found materials. The potential of using autonomous, mobile robotic systems for the development of innovative circular construction processes is presented in three exemplary case studies:(i) robotically jammed structures from bulk materials, (ii) robotic earthworks with local and upcycled materials, and (iii) robotic additive manufacturing with earth-based materials. These processes exemplify key strategies for a circular industry through the utilisation of materials with low embodied greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of fully reversible construction processes. For each case study, we describe the robotic building process, the enabling technologies and workflows, and the major sustainability and circularity benefits compared to conventional construction methods. Moreover, we discuss the difficulty of industry transfer, considering challenges such as detailing, integration, and engineering validation. We conclude with an outlook towards future research avenues and industry adoption strategies.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
Book title
A Circular Built Environment in the Digital Age
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
151 - 170
Publisher
Springer
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Robotic Construction; Sustainable construction; Autonomous robotic construction; Digital fabrication (dfab)
Organisational unit
03578 - Girot, Christophe (emeritus) / Girot, Christophe (emeritus)
09570 - Hutter, Marco / Hutter, Marco
03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio
02655 - Netzwerk Stadt u. Landschaft ARCH u BAUG / Network City and Landscape ARCH and BAUG
Notes
Funding
205604 - NCCR Digital Fabrication: Innovative Building Processes in Architecture (phase III) (SNF)
ETH-01 20-2 - Impact Printed Structures (ETHZ)
ETH-01 20-2 - Impact Printed Structures (ETHZ)