 |
| Artificial intelligence helps design hanging gardens |
Architecture and construction have always been at the forefront of technology and materials trends. So it is not surprising, especially at famous technical universities such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, to find a project that uses artificial intelligence and robotics to reuse these arts.
The design and construction of the robots they have experimented with shows how homes and offices will be built in ten years.
With the help of artificial intelligence and four collaborative robots, researchers at ETH Zurich are designing and producing a 22.5-meter-high eco-building sculpture inspired by the mythical structure of the ancient city of Babylon.
The Semiramis project (named after the Queen of Babylon) began in 2019 as a collaboration between human designers and artificial intelligence designers.
The basic idea comes from architecture professors Fabio Gramazio and Mathias Koehler. However, the design is implemented through a combination of computer models and machine learning algorithms that define basic requirements (such as size, irrigation needs, and architectural style).
During the design process, for example, the team could reposition one of the largest capsules that make up the structure, or change the layout of the panels that make up the roof.
The software they create adjusts the geometry of the entire structure and other panels on site to accommodate these changes and ensure they can safely support weight, etc.
There are many automated processes in construction. But this project is pushing the boundaries of control to a new level.
The key is to make it a collaboration, not just an architectural review, to make sure the project doesn't fall apart.
“Computer models allow us to reverse the traditional design process and explore the full scope of project design,” Kohler said. This leads to new and often surprising geometric shapes.
The project combines artificial intelligence and robotic assistance
After arriving at the final design. Construction was completed by another team of four robotic arms. These arms use a pliers to hold many heavy objects in place. Human factors determine the resin used to hold them together.
The Semiramis project was built in the workshop and then moved piece by piece to its final location at the Zug Technology Centre. It should be fully assembled and ready to pick up soil and seeds next spring.