Spatial Wire Cutting: Cooperative robotic cutting of non-ruled surface geometries for bespoke building components

Abstract

The research project Spatial Wire Cutting (SWC) investi- gates a multi-robotic cutting technique that allows for an efficient production of geometrically complex architectural components. Being pursued by the group of Gramazio Kohler Research at ETH Zurich, this approach involves a spatially coordinated movement of two six- axis robotic arms that control the curvature of a hot-wire, which adopts itself against the resistance of the processed material (e.g. pol- ystyrene). In contrast to standard CNC hot-wire cutting processes, in which the cutting medium remains linear, it allows the automated fab- rication of non-ruled, doubly curved surfaces. This pursuit includes the development of a custom digital design and robotic control framework that combines computational simulation and manufactur- ing feedback information. Ultimately, SWC enables a considerably expanded design and fabrication space for complex architectural ge- ometries and their construction through automated robotic technology. This paper addresses the applied workflow and technology 1) such as computational design and simulation, robotic control and adaptive fabrication, 2) results of application within a two-week design and building workshop, and 3) will conclude with further steps of future research.