Collaborative Robots For Resource-Adaptive Timber Construction Using Variable, Out-Of-Grade Timber Feedstocks
Project Description
This project will investigate and demonstrate the role of vision-based systems and/or mixed-reality (XR) assisted workflows in timber construction. The project will develop proof-of-concept workflows in which vision-based systems assist fabricators and carpenters in complex tasks related to using variable out-of-grade timber for structurally reliable framing assemblies.
Objectives
The project is structured into two interlinked stages.
Stage 1: Collaborative Fabrication with Out of Grade Timber
Scope of works:
- Integrate vision-based systems into the fabrication of nail-laminated timber (NLT) products using out of grade feedstock.
- Builds on existing research into computational design and integrated digital workflows for scanning and optimised placement of boards according to stiffness (MOE) and defect mapping.
- Demonstrate vision-based systemic support in selection and placement of boards for cutting and arrangement into homogenised NLT beams with low structural variability.
- Human workers will retain core construction tasks such as cutting and nailing, while the vision-based system handles complex tasks (selection of variable board stock; placement of variable cutting locations and orientation within NLT product).
Industry benefit:
This stage will enable the use of lower grade, underutilised timber resources in higher value time products suited for common residential framing applications.
Stage 2: Industry Demonstrator Framing Assemblies with Out of Grade Timber
Scope of works:
- Demonstrate vision-based support systems in selecting placement of boards for structural framing assemblies, such as movingdefects away from connection zones in wall studs and construction of non-standardised timber-frame typologies.
- Human workers will retain core construction tasks such as cutting, nailing, and fastening, while the vision-augmented digital workflow provides adaptive decision making and support.
- Deliver a proof-of-concept prototype for timber-framed wall elements (this Stage) and timber-framed NLT roof members (from Stage 1).The industry demonstrator will be used for an exhibition/showcase and industry workshop, targeted to truss and frame manufacturers, to present findings, demonstrate and discuss potential integration of vision-based systems in existing offsite timber prefabrication facilities or on-site contexts.
Industry benefit:
This stage will enable the use of non-graded timber feedstock in structural framing applications. The approach increases efficiency and reduces waste while ensuring that skilled trades remain central to the construction process. It will consolidate/promote learnings and engagement with potential end-users (truss and frame manufacturers) and allow stakeholders to directly assess the value of collaborative vision-based systems, understand potential productivity gains, and evaluate how vision-based systems can best be used to support and augment existing skills and workflows.
Objectives/Deliverables
- Proof-of-concept workflow for adaptive fabrication of NLT roof members using out of grade feedstock. Physical prototype of NLT roof members using out of grade feedstock.
- Proof-of-concept workflow for adaptive fabrication of framing members using out of grade feedstock. Physical prototype of timber-framed structural system using out of grade feedstock.
- Exhibition and industry workshop.
Project Leader/s
Joe Gattas
Theme Leader - Innovative Solutions; Node Leader - Manufacturing Innovation & Value-Chain Innovation
The University of Queensland
Project Staff
Lingju Wu
PhD Candidate
The University of Queensland
Project Investigators
Joe Gattas
Theme Leader - Innovative Solutions; Node Leader - Manufacturing Innovation & Value-Chain Innovation
The University of Queensland
Dan Luo
Node Leader - Value-Chain Innovation; Project Leader
The University of Queensland
Mateo Gutierrez
Partner Investigator; Executive Board Member
AKD Softwoods
Neil Logan
Partner Investigator
BVN Architecture
Aaron Belbasis
Affiliate Investigator
Aurecon
Lead Project Partner Organisation
Project Partners
