Robotic Connections: Customisable Joints for Timber Construction

Abstract

Timber is one of the most sustainable, renewable products, and coupled with computational tools has the potential to be redefined as a digital-age material. The research outlined in this paper employs contemporary digital fabrication techniques utilising a robotic arm to develop complex, CNC based parametric connections for engineered timber. While CNC joinery that utilizes three -five axis machining capabilities is increasingly common, the introduction of the six-axis robot as a machining tool provides greater freedom of movement and a wider range of complex procedures. This research returns to traditional Japanese timber craft, which offers unique structural and sustainable advantages. Using computational tools, new complex parametric connections suitable for contemporary fabrication will be designed and contribute to a library of joints suitable mass-customised in non-standard timber architecture.