A Software Platform for Architectural Robots

Abstract

In this paper we present work towards a software framework for robots in the context of the building/construction of next-generation architectural designs. We call these architectural robots. Our software framework is aimed at supporting architectural robots following a chain of processing steps. These comprise iterations on processing and manufacturing steps (e.g., bending of rods, carving, shaping) together with evaluation steps (e.g., 3D scanning of an object). We describe requirements on software components and their interaction to implement these steps. Furthermore, we present some existing components and motivate the specific requirements on software-based robot frameworks for the building architecture and construction industry.