Abstract Reusing wood in construction is crucial for advancing circular practices as global demand for timber exceeds sustainable supply. This research investigates an adaptive robotic fabrication strategy for constructing structural architectural components from irregular reclaimed timber. Building on prior work in digital upcycling and augmented-reality-assisted assembly, this study develops a multi-functional fabrication framework that integrates automated pick-and-place, nailing, drilling, and doweling into a coherent robotic process for non-standard timber elements. Reclaimed timber from industrial offcuts, demolition, and used pallets is scanned and digitally mapped to capture geometric and material variability. Computational design tools then optimize the arrangement of these elements within structural assemblies, balancing performance and fabrication feasibility. Using a 6-axis industrial robot with a linear axis, this system executes adaptive pick-and-place operations and mono-material joining through pneumatic wood nailing, drilling, and doweling, avoiding metal connectors or adhesives. The integrated workflow combines open- and closed-loop control, laser sensing, and parametric design to manage tolerances in geometry and surface quality. Two full-scale case studies, consisting of frame and floor slab components, demonstrate the system’s feasibility and architectural application. The results position multi-functional robotic fabrication as a key enabler for circular construction, transforming reclaimed timber from low-grade waste into a high-value building resource. The research advances digital design, fabrication, and sustainability by framing robotic upcycling as a pathway toward resource-efficient architectural production.
Fischer et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: