We are very excited that the IntCDC Master's Thesis Grant 2021 was awarded to two outstanding projects of the International M.Sc.Programme ITECH.
Master's Thesies Grant award winners Nils Opgenorth, Daniel Locatelli and Cody Tucker
PROJECT 1
“Building Across Scales - A Heterogeneous Robotic System for In-Situ Timber Fabrication”
Daniel Locatelli and Nils Opgenorth propose in their research a heterogeneous multi-scalar robotic construction system to further automate on-site timber construction. Specifically, it presents the next step in the automation of on-site gluing through the introduction of a custom robotic clamping device for the on-site pressuring of timber elements. Therefore, at the core of the research, lies the development of the custom device as part of a larger robotic construction team including an industrial robot and crane in co-design with the material and building system.
Daniel Locatelli und Nils Opgenorth presenting at the IntCDC Status Seminar
Multi-scalar robotic construction system
Co-Designing Diagram
PROJECT 2
“Distributed Fabrication for Fibrous Networks”
August Lehrecke, Cody Tucker and Xiliu Yang expand with their research the design and fabrication space of fibre structures, through a multi-agent system inspired by bobbin lace making. It proposes a novel material system based on spatial fibre interactions, facilitating the creation of multiple topologies within a single structure. Through cyber-physical coordination, mobile robots and bobbins fabricate using a parallel, continuous logic while maintaining high material programmability. State of the art manufacturing for filament structures are constrained by machine size, rigid frames, and logic of discrete assembly, limiting the variety and adaptability of fibre systems in architecture. This research proposes a flexible process that can achieve hybrid fibre topologies, thereby creating novel architectural qualities. The interlocking fibre interactions allow the structure to retain its topology in a collapsed state, and therefore can be flat-packed for transport and post-tensioned on site. This open-ended system creates new design and fabrication possibilities for fibre systems in architecture, enabling greater scalability and complexity.
The Master's Thesis Grant Award winning team with tutors
Cody Tucker presenting at the IntCDC Status Seminar
Fibre Structure
Fibre Structure Detail
The annual IntCDC Master’s Thesis Grants are part of a bundle of measures designed to promote early career researchers within the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC. The grants aim to encourage excellent master’s students to realize a first step towards a prospective academic career by supporting independent master’s thesis research.
We award up to two Master’s Thesis Grants per year. Each grant is endowed with 500€ to cover travel or material expenses occurring during thesis work.
More information on the IntCDC Grants & Awards can be found here.