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We are starting to see some exciting possibilities in the field of robotic construction and how, as well as taking some of the load off human hands, it might give rise to an entirely new branch of architecture. The Fiberbots developed at MIT are one impressive example of this, building self-supporting tubular structures from the ground up, which automatically adjust their shape and orientation as they go.
[...] The Fiberbots number 16 in total and each is fitted with a spooling mechanism that wraps the robot's cylindrical body in a mix of fiber and resin, just like a fishing reel being wound in. As each section sets, the body is driven up through the tube to start a fresh section on top.
A human controller sets some basic design parameters pertaining to how they want the finished structure to look, and a mix of algorithms and sensors then dictate the length and curvature of the Fiberbots as they wind upwards, preventing them from getting in each others' path. The system was put to the test in creating a 14.7-foot tall structure that stood undamaged through a harsh Massachusetts' winter.
Human-directed tube worms are now possible. Yay, science.
FIBERBOTS: Design and Digital Fabrication of Tubular Structures Using Robot Swarms[$] (DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92294-2_22)
(Score: 4, Informative) by captain normal on Tuesday October 23 2018, @08:11PM
http://ndagallery.cooperhewitt.org/gallery/70689103/Fiberbots [cooperhewitt.org]
http://www.nassia-inglessis.com/6813836-sw1/ [nassia-inglessis.com]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tubow3M-jM [youtube.com]
https://www.creativeapplications.net/robotics/fiberbots-framework-for-cooperative-swarm-robotic-manufacturing/ [creativeapplications.net]
Looks like a neat trick for something like Burning Man, I'm not too sure how it works for structural applications.
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