The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication examines innovative processes of design, engineering and construction in architecture. The main focus of this NCCR is research into digital design and manufacturing processes and their synthesis through the use of novel technologies. Through a multidisciplinary approach the disciplines of architecture, structural design, robotics, and material and computer sciences are brought together in an ambitious partnership to establish digital technology as an essential part of future building processes.
The Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication (Prof. Gramazio, Prof. Kohler) is seeking from the 1st of November 2014, or upon agreement a
PhD Researcher “Authoring multi-robotic fabrication processes”
This PhD position is part of the NCCR subsection “Computational Design Environment” to investigate advanced computational design and digital fabrication processes in architecture. As such, the focus is to advance the development of a design and simulation platform to author non-standard robotic fabrication processes directly from a CAD system, such as, for example, Rhinoceros. A specific focus will be the integration of robotic and physics simulation in order to enable the coherent design and realisation of non-standard, material-driven fabrication processes. The research includes the examination of different simulation environments, real-time robotic control and sensor integration, kinematic models, assembly planning, logistics, scalability and customisability. The doctoral researcher will work in close cooperation with other researchers of this NCCR to empirically test and validate the developed computational design and fabrication tools. Overall, the research will span from scaled physical testing to 1:1 demonstration in the new large-scale, multi-robotic Robotic Fabrication Laboratory (RFL) of ETH Zurich, opening 2016. The PhD position (full-time) spans 3.5 years of research and is funded according to standard SNSF regulations.
You have a very good architectural and/or advanced technical Master’s degree, corresponding to the FHEQ-Level 7. We expect strong programming skills, strong analytical and mathematical skills as well as profound knowledge of state-of-the-art computer-aided architectural design. Ideally, you have experience in CAD/CAM and/or robotic fabrication. Fluent English language skills are required for this position and you should be reliable, accurate, have high level of initiative and be able to work independently while concurrently having excellent teamwork and communication skills.