ROBOTIC CONSTRUCTION FEATURE: A Michigan wood pavilion is building a human-robot collaboration.
COURTESY TAUBMAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
The project was geared to promote sustainable low-carbon construction but also demonstrate how human-robot collaboration could work – and one day be extended to building new homes. Using algorithms that were specifically designed for the project, researchers and students at Taubman’s digital fabrication lab used the robotic arms to process the material and assemble the elements into intricate modules. The modules were then transported to the site and assembled by hand to form the pavilion.
ADR conducts research in the area of human-robot collaboration and has been working out how to develop algorithms for specific projects. The wood pavilion was an opportunity to put research into action.The team of researchers and students partnered with engineering firm Silman to evaluate the pavilion for structural performance and building code requirements.
The pavilion also included an enclosed walkway. Intricately layered patterns of timber were featured on the walls and ceiling that allowed for airflow, striking shadows, and optical effects. The wood of the structure was left untreated to reduce the environmental impact and to allow it to be re-used on another project.