Robotic advances in architecture and building

It may not be a traditional use for industrial robots, but the use of digital fabrication in architecture and design continues to accelerate globally as the innovation and creative potential of robotics is harnessed by the architecture industry.

This month, Sydney will see the largest gathering of robotics researchers in architecture and design from around the world for ROB|ARCH2016, hosted by the University of Sydney in collaboration with five leading Australian university partners, at Walsh Bay from 15–19 March.

Held every two years, the international conference draws university and industry researchers in robotic fabrication from around 10 countries including Australia, USA, China, Korea, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Spain.

ROB|ARCH2016 includes a 3-day program of eight parallel robotic workshops in the industrial setting of Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay. It will show over 20 robots in action, exhibiting new technology in design and construction. A 2-day conference will have over 30 speakers from the world’s leading universities, robotic industry and practitioners presenting their latest research.

The University of Sydney’s Dr Dagmar Reinhardt, conference co-chair, robotics researcher and Bachelor of Architecture and Environments Program Director, said: “This is a significant global event for researchers and industry working on the next generation of robots in architecture. Current research shows we have the potential to revolutionise the way we design, manufacture materials and construct buildings.”

Manager of the university’s Design Modelling and Fabrication Lab (DMaF Lab) and ROB|ARCH2016 workshop chair Marjo Niemelä, added: “This is an exciting time for researchers from robotic and fabrication labs around the world, who will be meeting in Sydney for the first time. They will be demonstrating and sharing emerging technologies and new methods of design and construction using robots.”

The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning is hosting the conference alongside partnering universities: The University of NSW, Bond University, RMIT, University of Technology Sydney and Monash University.