Collaborative Robotics for Construction

The firm of Perkins + Will is turning architecture designs into instructions that robots can follow with the goal of putting both to work on the construction site

Until now, we’ve created architectural drawings and models in order to provide instructions for humans to follow on the construction site. But as robots become more intelligent and aware, they will be able to handle many of the repetitive tasks of building. Luc Deckinga and Nick Cameron of Perkins + Will show how their firm is working with Autodesk to convert 3D architectural models into robotic simulations—in effect, turning designs into instructions that robots can follow—then putting the robots to work creating modular components for assembly on-site.

About the speakers

Luc Deckinga is the digital practice manager for computation design at Perkins + Will. Trained as an architect, Luc works in a wide range of scales and disciplines from robotic fabrication to parametric cities. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University.

Nick Cameron is the director of digital practice at Perkins + Will. His central charge is to develop and execute Perkins + Will’s digital practice strategies that enable design teams to deliver outstanding solutions for clients. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

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