Visual Programming for Interactive Robotic Fabrication Processes - Process flow definition in robotic fabrication

Abstract

Visual, flow-based programming environments in architecture and design are built to control data flow but not process flow. However, controlling the process flow is essential for interacting with robotic fabrication processes, so that they can react to input such as user interaction or sensor data. In this research, we combine two visual programming environments, utilizing Grasshopper for defining complex, robotic toolpaths, and Unity Visual Scripting for controlling the overall process flow and process interaction. Through that, we want to enable architects and designers to define more complex, interactive production processes, with accessible, bespoke user-interfaces allowing non-experts to operate these processes -a crucial step for the commercialization of innovations. This approach is evaluated in a case study that creates a mobile, urban microfactory that prototypically fabricates location-specific objects through additive manufacturing.

Urban Scale Digital Twins Vis-à-Vis Complex Phenomena: Datafication and social and environmental equity

“…The importance of controlling process flow for interactive robotic fabrication has also been studied by Braumann, Gollob and Singline, arguing that "…controlling the process flow is essential for interacting with robotic fabrication processes, so that they can react to input such as user interaction or sensor data." (Braumann, Gollob and Singline, 2022).…”

BIRT: An Open-Source Integration Toolkit for Architectural Robotics

“…A main limitation of this approach is that online systems often lack the precision of offline, and conversely, offline lack the adaptability of online systems. This becomes particularly challenging when integrating robots in dynamic fabrication environments, such as construction sites and craftwork settings (Braumann, 2022). It is also challenging to integrate diverse components for custom end-effectors and other robot accessories for dynamic environments.…”