Gramazio Kohler Research

This doctoral research aims to advance digital twins in architecture, engineering, and construction, focusing on digital design and human-robotic fabrication workflows for timber assemblies.

In timber assembly, XR has proven to be a valuable tool in both human-only and human-robot collaboration processes by overlaying digital information onto the physical environment, removing the need for complex drawings and improving spatial context awareness. However, existing systems fall short in utilising interactive and adaptive user interfaces and supporting necessary immediate feedback. Enhanced real-time feedback mechanisms are required to address material deviations, position and rotation errors, as well as ensure accurate execution throughout the construction process. The lack of integrated feedback systems limits the possibility to adjust to real-time changes in the physical environment, and the possibility of human intervention during the process, reducing effectiveness in dynamic construction settings.

The project seeks to develop more sophisticated, user-friendly XR interfaces and feedback-based computational models like digital twins, which create a bidirectional connection between the physical construction and its digital representation. These XR-enabled digital twins strategies are meant to empower architects and craftspeople to make adaptive, on-the-spot adjustments, using their expertise and creativity in digital timber workflows.

Credits:

Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich

Collaborators:
Alexandra Moisi (project lead), Gonzalo Casas

In cooperation with: Ass. Prof. Dr. Daniela Mitterberger (Princeton University, Princeton School of Architecture)

Support: Michael Lyrenmann (Robotic Fabrication Lab, ETH Zurich)


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