Nirmal Kumar

Earthy
Matters

Carnegie Mellon University
Introduction to Architectural Robotics
Fall ‘24
Instructor - Joshua Bard and Vina Wei


      The project aims to explore the possibilities of integrating advanced additive manufacturing methods to create tessellated structures using non-planar clay printing. The workflow focuses on how an ABB robotic arm can effectively print complex geometries with customized toolpath strategies, leveraging the adaptability of clay as a dynamic material in architectural fabrication.

The ability to print non-planar surfaces with robotic precision redefines approaches to flexible and adaptive design in architecture and manufacturing. The use of clay as a sustainable and customizable medium opens new avenues for material innovation, allowing for intricate and precise forms that are challenging to achieve through conventional methods.

This approach could lead to opportunities in industries such as architecture and manufacturing, where bespoke molds, facades, and other highly customized designs are valued. By refining robotic clay printing within a single automated setup, the process streamlines production and increases efficiency, demonstrating the potential for real-world applications in material behavior, precision control, and structural stability.

Additionally, the exploration of reusable molds, such as kinetic sand formworks, contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing material waste.




Opportunities for Future Exploration:



Adaptive Printing Strategies: Develop more sophisticated robotic control algorithms that can adapt the printing path and extrusion parameters in real-time based on the scanned surface geometry. This could improve print quality and enable more complex overhangs and cantilever.

Parametric Formwork Generatnio: Develop algorithms that can generate complex, parametric formwork designs based on specific architectural or artistic requirements. This could allow for the creation of intricate, organic shapes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.



Multi-Material Printing: Investigate the potential for printing with multiple clay types or other materials on the same non-planar surface. This could lead to interesting composite structures with varying properties across different sections

Material Properties: Study how the properties of the clay (such as viscosity, drying time, and shrinkage) interact with the kinetic sand formwork. This could inform the development of specialized clay mixtures optimized for non-planar printing
©Nirmal Kumar
2027