Innovation in construction is advancing by leaps and bounds thanks to robotic automation. A clear example of this is the pavilion developed by the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart in collaboration with KUKA. This project, presented at the Bundesgartenschau 2019 in Heilbronn, Germany, used industrial robots to manufacture carbon fiber structures with precision and efficiency unattainable by conventional methods.
Automated Manufacturing Process The company FibR GmbH implemented a robotic setup for the manufacture of the pavilion’s structural elements. The key to this system was the use of two KUKA KP1-HC positioners, which held winding frames serving as the base for fiber placement. Two industrial KUKA robots, specifically the KR 210 R3100 QUANTEC model, were employed in the process. These robots, equipped with an impregnated fiber feeding system, wound the carbon strands around anchor points on the frames. Thanks to their precision and adaptability, each of the 60 elements of the pavilion was produced individually, based on digital models generated by parametric design software.
Advantages of Robotics in Construction with Advanced Materials The use of industrial robots in the manufacture of carbon fiber structures offers several advantages:
- Precision and Repeatability: Robots can follow exact trajectories with minimal tolerances, ensuring uniform construction.
- Material Optimization: Automated fiber deposition reduces waste and improves the structural efficiency of the final product.
- Design Flexibility: Integration with digital modeling software allows the production of pieces with complex geometries without the need for traditional molds.
- Scalability: Automation enables increased production without compromising quality, facilitating the adoption of these materials in large-scale architectural projects.
Impact on Architecture and Industry This manufacturing approach marks a turning point in architecture by allowing the construction of lightweight, resilient, and sustainable structures. The combination of generative design and robotic manufacturing opens up new possibilities for the construction of the future, where customization and efficiency become key standards. The collaboration between ICD and KUKA demonstrates that robotics not only optimizes industrial processes but also drives innovation in sectors such as architecture and structural design. This type of advancement will continue to transform the way we conceive and build structures in the 21st century.
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