Thesis Supervisor: Marirena Kladeftira

This thesis project investigates the automated assembly of lightweight modules facilitated by the use of additive manufacturing in architecture. The research focuses on computationally designed 3D printed connections for space frame modules suitable for robotic and drone assembly.

Space frame structures and more broadly lightweight structures are increasingly interesting for the construction industry because of their ability to span large distances with little material. Thanks to these characteristics, space frame structures are being further explored and developed as a highly industrialized system. For the investigation of this thesis, the goal is to design an ultralight structure, whose rods are connected with 3D printed interlocking joints with no additional fasteners. The latter can have multiple functions that allow human and machine assembly, localization and other features.

Thanks to the state of the art technology, such as the Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer, it is possible to encode every detail in just one customizable node that is both strong and light.

To conclude, this research aims to define a new system where the assembly of space frame structures is automated with the help of robotic arms and thus reduces human labor on site. 3D printed joints allow a high degree of flexibility in the design and guarantee a time-efficient fabrication. These processes generate a prefabricated system, in which single modules are first assembled manually and secondly those are directly mounted on-site with drones and robotic arms.