Research project: The robot as a carpenter

The goal is to have robots produce entire building elements from wood. "Ceiling structures are particularly well suited for this. Complicated to manufacture, they are an elementary component in construction," says Prof. Philipp Eversmann, head of the Experimental and Digital Design and Construction department. He is leading the project together with Prof. Dr. Werner Seim, head of the Department of Building Conservation and Timber Construction. 

In a process similar to 3D printing, the elements can be prefabricated by machine in a hall. In addition to saving costs, the researchers hope to achieve a more efficient construction method. Digitization makes it possible to determine the optimum material distribution in simulations. Precursors of this technology have already been tested at ETH Zurich. There, the focus was on spatially complex geometries in order to explore the possibilities of this technology. The project at the University of Kassel, on the other hand, is oriented toward practical construction. "We want to create solution paths for the construction industry through simplicity," says Eversmann.

The researchers emphasize that the process is not intended to jeopardize jobs: "We are not placing our machines where people are already working. Because many skilled workers are lacking while construction demand is rising, we are offering a supplement," emphasizes Prof. Werner Seim. Another aspect is that the manufacturing plant is protected by a hall and can operate in all weather conditions.

The scientists rate the interdisciplinary orientation of their project as a key special feature: "We have a good combination of different competencies," comments Seim. "Generally, architects and engineers do too little research together. That's different here."

The DFG will fund the project with 558,700 euros over the next two years.

Contact:

Prof. Philipp Eversmann
University of Kassel
FB 06 Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Planning
Tel: +49 561 804-3473
E-Mail: eversmann[at]asl.uni-kassel[dot]de

Prof. Dr. Werner Seim
University of Kassel
FB 14 Building Conservation and Timber Construction
Tel: +49 561 804-2625
E-Mail: wseim[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

Sebastian Mense
University of Kassel
Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 561 804 -1961
E-Mail: presse[at]uni-kassel[dot]de