Symposiums on Construction Robotics and
Computational Design for Sustainable Construction
The Future of Construction:
21-23 June, 2022 | ETH Zürich
Over the past decades, digital processes have transformed numerous industries, however the construction sector has fallen behind. The field still relies heavily on manual labour, mechanical technology, and established operating procedures. Building design, operations and construction tasks are also bound to gradual change and unpredictable materials. Recent advances in computational methods and robotic technology in architecture and civil engineering are pushing the development and integration of digital solutions.
This is gradually enabling the true potential of the construction sector by exploiting digital technology. The Future of Construction event features two symposiums with complementary topics, i.e. one on Construction Robotics and one on Computational Design for Sustainable Construction. The shared goal of the symposiums is to bring together experts from various fields, such as architecture, sensing, robotics, engineering, computer science, circular construction, computer vision and more. The content addresses challenges for the future of construction, focuses on innovative methods, disseminates knowledge, and establishes a dialogue between participants from academia and industry. This exchange will help identify needs and opportunities between the various involved research fields for successful future collaborations.
ABOUT
Part 1: Computational Design for Sustainable Construction
Part 2: Construction
Robotics
Augmented Computational Design
Sustainable Construction
AI and Machine Learning
Generative Design
Extended Reality
Immersive Simulation
Optimization
Photogrammetry
Human-in-the-Loop Design
Circular Construction
Autonomy in Unstructured Environments
Reach and Mobility Concepts
Human-Robot Interaction On-Site
3D Concrete Printing
Complex Timber Structures
Optimization of Fabrication Processes
Simulation and Prediction
High-Accuracy 3D Sensing
Quality Control and Inspection
Geometric Perception and Feedback Systems
KEYNOTES
Prof. Dr. Cyrill Stachniss
Uni Bonn, DE
Stuart Maggs
CEO Scaled Robotics, ES
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dillenburger
ETH Zürich, CH
Prof. Dr. Markus König
RUB, DE
Dr. Emanuela Del Dottore
IIT, IT
Prof. Dr. Anna Valente
SUPSI, CH
Prof. Dr. Sigrid Brell-Çokcan
RWTH, DE
Jelle Feringa
CTO Aectual, NL
Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg
ETH Zürich, CH
Dr. Moritz Bächer
Disney Research, CH
Dr. Agnès Petit Markowski
CEO MOBBOT, CH
Prof. Dr. Pieter Pauwels
TU Eindhoven, NL
Prof. Dr. Norman Hack
TU Braunschweig, DE
Prof. Dr. Caitlin Mueller
MIT, USA
Prof. Dr. Catherine
De Wolf
ETH Zürich, CH
Prof. Dr. Walter Kaufmann
ETH Zürich, CH
AGENDA
Overview of the detailed on-site program:
Recording of the event is accessible here:
WORKSHOPS
Workshop #1
Leveraging Interdisciplinarity
Learn how to connect with researchers from different disciplines to advance your research
Hosts: Dr. Elizabeth Amadei, Selen Ercan Jenny, Hermann Blum, Valens Frangez
Workshop #4
AI in Architecture,
Engineering, and Construction
The use of artificial intelligence in the AEC sector is becoming more common. This workshop will discuss the expectations and perceptions of AI in AEC, challenges and gaps specific for the AEC industry and how to critically evaluate AI applications.
Hosts: Dr. Michael Kraus, Dr. Danielle Griego, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dillenburger
Workshop #2
Computational Design with COMPAS
Computational design tools to develop your own digital fabrication projects using open-source COMPAS framework.
Hosts: Gonzalo Casas,
Dr. Romana Rust
Workshop #5
Computational Tools to Support Circular Construction
How can computational tools in construction project execution support promote circularity, sustainability and reduce environmental impact?
Host: Prof. Dr. Catherine
De Wolf, Brandon Byers, Matt Gordon, and Deepika Raghu
Workshop #3
AR-Aided Architecture and Engineering Design
Experience how new technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) tools can support humans in the design of the future buildings.
Host: Daniela Mitterberger
Workshop #6
Designing and Constructing in and for Gradient Realities
In this workshop we will explore what are gradient realities, what are the implications for the AEC industry, and how to prepare for designing and building gradient realities — while also living in them, from the lens of Computer Vision and beyond.
Host: Dr. Iro Armeni
CROSS-SESSIONS
Match Making Activity (Innovation Booster Robotics)
NTN Innovation Booster Robotics aims to establish robotics as a core pillar of the Swiss economy. It runs under the leadership of Prof. Dr. A. Billard (EPFL) and Prof. Dr. R. Siegwart (ETHZ).
The NTN team will assist you with being matched with other stakeholders of the conference, so that you can forge contacts and exchange ideas. You never know whom you can meet – your future collaborator, your investor, your academic or industry partners for your projects. Come join us!
Robotic Fabrication Lab (RFL) Tour
The Robotic Fabrication Laboratory (RFL) is set up as a worldwide unique digital construction environment that allows for internationally leading research in the field of robotic fabrication in architecture and construction. The RFL is a multi-robotic system based on an overhead running gantry system covering the complete workshop space of the ITA building.
Immersive Design Lab (IDL) Tour
The Immersive Design Lab (IDL) is an interdisciplinary laboratory at ETH Zurich for future design, architecture and engineering. The IDL creates an unprecedented platform for collaborative research and teaching in the rapidly evolving field of interactive extended reality (XR) and machine learning (ML) in architecture and construction.
SPONSORS
Research Grant
Symposium Sponsor
Cross-Symposium Sponsor
Workshop Sponsor
INDUSTRY KEYNOTES
Dr. Thomas Reisinger
Technology and Portfolio Manager General Industry, ABB
Dominik Courtin
CEO, Basler & Hofmann
Alexandra Stamou
Head of Innovation and Product Management, Halter
Patric Van der Haegen
Division Head Development, Eberhard
Thomas Harring
President, Geosystems at Hexagon AB
Dr. Carsten Rieger
Market Development Manager, SIKA
Dr. Ammar Mirjan
Co-founder, MESH AG
Dr. Timothy Sandy
Co-founder, incon.ai
VENUE & TRAVEL
The symposiums will take place physically and will be hosted at ETH Zürich Hönngerberg Campus in Zürich, Switzerland. Some travel restrictions may apply at the time of the conference.
Check the latest official regulations or visit https://travelcheck.admin.ch/ to find out more.
Getting Here
The Hönngerberg campus of ETH Zürich is conveniently connected to both the main Zürich train station (20 minutes) and to Zürich Airport (30 minutes). Arrival by car is also possible, with parking places in the HIL-building garage.
Moving Around
Zürich is a very walkable city. You can also easily reach almost any destination in Zürich and in Switzerland by public transportation, which is very safe and reliable at all times of the day. You typically do not need to rent a car.
Accomodation
A variety of hotels are available to suit your needs, from budget to luxury accommodation. They are all well connected via public transportation to the symposium venue. Please visit the Zurich Tourism webpage for more information, or contact them at hotel@zuerich.com