On May 28, COMPAS Developer Day 2025 took place at ETH Zürich’s Robotic Fabrication Lab. Tom van Mele opened with updates on Rhino 8, CPython support, and the move to Python 3-only. Presentations covered topics like mobile additive manufacturing, XR applications, and robotic workflows. The event featured demos, discussions, and a preview of upcoming activities, including the next COMPAS Dev Exchange. It wrapped up with an apéro around the COMPAS Timber-built pavilion. Learn more at compas.dev. [read more]

After weeks of testing, the research on our full-scale demonstrator concluded in May of this year. Designed for structural efficiency and minimal waste, extrusion-based 3D concrete printing (E3DCP) eliminates formwork and improves material efficiency by printing thin shell vaults in situ. A mobile robotic system with integrated material delivery and mixing enables self-supporting geometries, even in tight spaces. The structure features six vaults printed in sequence, validating E3DCP’s viability for future ceiling construction in existing and new buildings. [read more]

The first general assembly of the research project DFG FOR 5672 recently took place at the University of Kassel, bringing together all PhD candidates and many associated researchers. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to align concepts and ideas and even included collaborative ROS2 coding sessions. Prof. Dr. Kathrin Dörfler and Postdoc Avishek Das presented their vision for Sub-Project E, Planning and Simulation of Cooperative Processes by Human-Robot Teams in Construction, and explained how these efforts can be integrated into the information backbone of the main project. [read more]

On February 12, from 14:00 to 18:00, students of the Master Studio "How to Print a House" will present their final projects at Pavillon 333. The studio explores innovative design and construction strategies for the extension of the historic Altes Hallenbad, focusing on digital fabrication and 3D printing in architecture. Guest critics include Jan van der Velden-Volkmann (SSV Architekten), Bruno Knychalla (Additive Tectonics), and Prof. Anne Niemann (TU Rosenheim). The studio is led by Prof. Kathrin Dörfler (Professorship of Digital Fabrication) and supported by the Chair of Building Technology… [read more]

The fifth project meeting took us to Tirschenreuth. We began by visiting the clay-filled beam slabs, which have already been installed in a project by Brückner & Brückner Architects and were developed by Leipfinger Bader. During the visit, they presented the initial experiences, offering valuable insights into this method. The meeting continued at the office of Brückner & Brückner Architects, where we discussed the current project developments in TES and the next steps moving forward. Many thanks to Leipfinger Bader for their exciting insights and contributions. [read more]

The International Timber Construction Forum 2024, taking place from 4th to 6th December in Innsbruck, showcased the latest innovations and prospects in the timber construction industry. In the session "TUM.wood – Abenteuer Forschung", moderated by Prof. Dr. Stefan Winter, current developments and innovative approaches were highlighted. This part included a presentation by Janna Vollrath on the research project Timber Earth Slab. [read more]

As part of the Future of Construction 2024 Symposium in Mendrisio, we are collaboratively organizing a two-day Future Earth workshop (4. - 5. November), exploring key principles of earth building and digital fabrication. Participants will learn to classify contemporary earth mixtures, from printable to cast materials, and gain hands-on experience in setting up suitable formworks. The workshop will also address how factors such as the overall shape, size, orientation and frequency of erosion breakers can produce durable earthen structures that become more beautiful as they age. [read more]

On October 24th, we are invited to participate in the panel discussion „Timber meets Earth: The Future of Multi-Story Construction“ as part of the "Building Circular" series. Together with our industry partners Blumer Lehmann, Leipfinger Bader, müllerblaustein, and Oxara, we will present the origin and development of the Timber Earth Slab project. Register here for free: [read more]

In ihrer heutigen Pressemitteilung hat die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) die Förderung unserer Forschungsgruppe „Das Informationsrückgrat des robotisierten Bauens auf der Basis von mehrskalig verzahnten Produkt-Prozess-Modellierungsmethoden“ bekanntgegeben. Unter der Leitung von Prof. Kathrin Dörfler (Professur für Digitale Fabrikation, TU München) zielt das Projekt „Planung und Simulation kooperativer Prozesse von Mensch-Roboter-Teams im Bauwesen“ darauf ab, digitale Rahmenbedingungen für die Planung und Simulation auf Baustellen zu entwickeln, um die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Robotern… [read more]

In the upcoming winter semester, we are excited to offer two elective courses: Computational Design and Fabrication 1, which runs throughout the entire semester, and an intensive hands-on workshop, Project Week Computational Design and Fabrication, scheduled for March 24–28, 2025. The courses bridge foundational principles of geometric design and computing with practical application in a comprehensive design project. You’ll explore methods and tools for 3D shape generation, simulation, structural design, and digital fabrication. [read more]