Flying Robots for Architectural Fabrication

Project Aim

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Applying flying robots for architectural fabrication of large-scale wound fiber-composite structures, detached from lab-like environment and placed into the real-world fabrication scenario.

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Methods

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Every step of the creation process, from a design idea, to physical fabrication, has been supported by a practical solution and is implemented as various tools, processes and workflows in the developed prototype of the construction system.

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UAV Prototypes

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Developing custom multirotor prototypes is essential for achieving the desired functionality of the vehicles for a certain application.

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Having a goal of approaching a full scale fabrication scenario requires a larger vehicle in order to carry a sufficient amount of material.

Software Workflow

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Combining strong and flexible robotic development framework with designer-friendly CAD and computational modeling software and turning it into a ready-to-use architectural design research tool.

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Machine Guidance

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Machine guidance and control is one of the most important aspects for implementing an automated construction process, which in the first place, requires the ability to robustly and precisely position machines on the construction site. In situations where the most accuracy is required, a robotic theodolite is used.

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This project takes advantage of the precision and robustness of Leica Multi Station MS60 instrument for guiding the aerial vehicle. It’s able to operate in a wide range of atmospheric conditions, tolerant to dust, rain, and made to work in harsh conditions of a construction site.

 

Coreless fiber winding component fabrication for Hannover Messe stand, ICD/ITKE

Fiber-Composites

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In order to achieve a variety of practical and usable architecture, fiber composites could be applied for creating self-supporting structures. These material systems have been used for a long time by the industry in the process called filament winding.