Tutors : Ana Anton, Eleni Skevaki and Lex Reiter, collaborators :Gonzalo Casas and Philippe Fleischmann (COMPAS RRC)

Conventional methods of construction lack management of material usage, time and are highly labour intensive hence automation in the construction industry is rapidly growing. Currently, most robotic systems cater to only individual functionalities required for building architecture. Combining multiple materials into one system could further innovations for the field. The research aims to develop a fabrication method for combining two materials with 3D printing and pick-and-place robotic processes to construct a transparent concrete wall .

The core challenge with this research is the integration of elements being placed while printing. To be able to tackle this, the research will develop a computational tool which allows to design different strategies for placing glass elements while simultaneously printing concrete which is then translated through a series of prototypes. The research would also focus on bridging the communication between both the robots and to design an end-effector for this system. To illustrate this process we use recycled laboratory glass with the pick-and-place robot and white concrete is the material for 3D robotic printing. To conclude the research a final 1:1 scale prototype allows us to reflect and evaluate the method.