Project Title
Predictive Modelling and Bio-responsive Human-machine Collaboration
Physiological data and machine learning methods for the cooperative integration of humans and machines in timber prefabrication
Timber construction is a pioneer in the building industry when it comes to applying modern automation technologies, making use of advanced fabrication machines in prefabrication, both in production lines for single-family houses and in the manufacture of individual building projects. However, for a variety of reasons, the involvement of human labor is still in many cases preferable to the concept of fully automated production. The small batch sizes and the constantly changing component configurations demand a level of adaptability that is difficult to achieve with full automation—an inherent problem in project-based construction.
This necessary cooperation between humans and machines, in turn, poses new requirements for process planning. Human factors such as level of training, onboarding time, or daily condition must be taken into account. To address this challenge, the project uses physiological data and fabrication simulations of craftspeople during work processes and applies machine learning (ML) methods to optimise process planning, anticipate production times, and facilitate responsive workflows. For communication between humans and machines, AR and smart watches are used.
The aim of the project is to enable reactive and adaptive collaboration between humans and machines by understanding human needs through the collection of physiological data and process analyses using ML methods. The outcome is a bio-responsive predictive model that can in the future be used to plan and carry out the semi-autonomous prefabrication of (timber) building components in small batch sizes.
PROJECT TEAM
ICD Institute for Computational Design and Construction, University of Stuttgart
Xiliu Yang, Prof. A. Menges
ICD-CA Chair of Computing in Architecture, Institute for Computational Design and Construction, University of Stuttgart
Lior Skoury, Prof. T. Wortmann
PROJECT FUNDING
BBSR - Bundesinstitut für Bau- Stadt- und Raumforschung im Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung: Forschungsinitiative Zukunft Bau
WEINMANN Holzbausystemtechnik GmbH