Situated Learning Through Robotics Processes

Technological advances in robotics, digital fabrication, and sensor technologies are changing the landscape of innovation, design, and production. However, integration of these technologies in architecture programs is a challenging task. It requires extensive knowledge of the robotic arm operations, complex computer applications, and developing interdisciplinary skills for producing the end of arm tooling, which makes architectural experimentation and production possible. The following paper describes an informal approach to an interdisciplinary collaboration experiment for initiating operations of a new robotics lab. Leveraging the inaugural event of the lab, students and faculty were invited to design, construct, and participate in exhibiting four projects at the event. The paper explains each project, how student and faculty interacted and learned advanced fabrication techniques, and how their experience contributed to the overall establishment of the lab