Material Feedback in Robotic Production

The success of CAD/CAM in architecture relies on the consistency between geometric information, material processes, and physical results. However, when material processes exceed a level of imprecision, the correlation between intended geometry and physical output cannot be secured and, therefore, conventional workflows are inadequate. This research investigates the expansion of one-way design-to-fabrication processes (from digital to physical) through the addition of feedback control. It develops methods to adjust fabrication instructions while it is occurring, in order to guide imprecise production into useful outputs. Experiments using feedback control to produce clay molds and to adjust a universal formwork are discussed.