Researchers at ETH Zürich are showing off their construction robot who has created a pavilion using stones and string as part of an exhibition at the Gewerbemuseum in Winterthur. After using over 60,000 pounds of loose stones and almost 75 miles worth of string, the robot dutifully created the Rock Print Pavilion.
Over the last month, the “In situ Fabricator” robot has been working on building three pillars, which are approximately 36-feet high, but the question is how can a structure made from loose stones and string support a heavyweight-steel roof?
The bot uses what’s known as “jamming,” and the ETH research project “Design and Robotic Fabrication of Jammed Architectural Structures,” is focused on just this. The stones interlock together, and when combined with a carefully, calculated string arrangement, the two elements create a stable and durable structure.
The Rock Print Pavilion is delving into possibilities related to digital and robotic manufacturing. Recycling has also been integrated into this project, where the materials can easily be taken apart and reused.