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Developing Feedback Based Robotic Manufacturing Method for Earth-Based Materials

Thakker, D; Hadavi, R; Raj, N; Vijayappan, V; Gupta, H; Meng, J; Olesti, GP; ... Devadass, P; + view all (2023) Developing Feedback Based Robotic Manufacturing Method for Earth-Based Materials. In: Proceedings of the 41st Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2023). (pp. pp. 479-488). eCAADe Green open access

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Abstract

Although earth-based materials have the advantage of being locally sourced and have low embodied emissions, they can have an unpredictable material behavior due to their heterogeneous composition which potentially limits their use in manufacturing. As a result, it becomes challenging to standardise and maintain quality outcomes. Moreover, current industry methods are labour-intensive and require a high level of traditional knowledge. This research explores and develops a fabrication methodology for earthen materials that is location-agnostic. It involves an array of fabrication approaches, including the development of a robotic 'Impact Printing' setup using a UR10 robot and a custom tool to pick, place, and mechanically compact earth blocks. The 'Feedback System' employs Kinect 2.0 to scan the deformation of earth materials observed during fabrication and a computational algorithm to generate accurate and adapted toolpaths for the position and compaction of earthen blocks in real-time. To push the boundaries of architectural design for traditional building materials, the study investigates the construction of a closed Nubian vault using the aforementioned techniques and tools. Through the optimization of material behavior and manufacturing processes, the research opens up a pathway for automated onsite earth construction.

Type: Proceedings paper
Title: Developing Feedback Based Robotic Manufacturing Method for Earth-Based Materials
Event: The 41st Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2023)
Location: Graz, Austria
Dates: 20th-22nd September 2023
ISBN-13: 9789491207341
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.52842/conf.ecaade.2023.1.479
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2023.1.479
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
Keywords: Robotic Fabrication, 3d Scanning, Adaptive Feedback System, Earth Building
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Architecture
URI: https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10180834
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