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Wed April 04, 2018 - National Edition
Researchers have collaborated to create a new robot that could transform timber construction.
The project, Spatial Timber Assemblies, is the product of efforts between three research labs: Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich and ERNE AG Holzbau. The teams created a digital timber construction method that allows a series of robots to quickly put together timber modules, which can then be used to make up larger structures, Dezeen reported. The process begins with prep work via a CNC-controlled saw and drill. Once the pieces are ready, they are placed and then put together with robots using optic sensors. A continuous algorithm prevents the danger of collisions by recalculating the robot's path, Dezeen reported.
The combination of timber frame construction and the quick and precise work of robots provides the opportunity for speedy assembly of intricate timber modules right on the construction site, Dezeen reported.