Hi, this is HowBIM.
I often say construction needs to go digital faster. While thinking about what that actually gives us, I found a really good video on YouTube. I want to share it and add a few thoughts of my own.
STUD-IO, a digital fabrication company in the US
In the video, the CEO of STUD-IO is presenting at a 2023 conference in Boston. The company runs a system built around a Howick roll-forming machine, so digital design can move straight into automated fabrication.
Once the design is in, studs are placed automatically. If the size or angle changes, the shop drawings and quantities change with it. The whole process is automated with algorithms. Revit and Grasshopper are linked, so a design change is reflected in fabrication in real time.
The core of automated design: free design, then immediate production
What impressed me most was that once the design is set, it can be turned into G-code and go all the way to production. In the old way, drawings were handed over and people modeled and revised everything by hand. That is no longer necessary. If the algorithm is set up well, a design change does not create mistakes, and the machine fabricates the parts accurately.
This is not just one machine. Combined with other equipment, it can grow into a setup where almost any modeled form can be produced.
Assembly gets easier too — even for less experienced crews
Even more surprising: every member is numbered, so once factory production is done, the site only has to assemble. Each piece looks different, but they are designed so people can put them together easily.
People still do the assembly today, but I think robots will take that over before long. Technically we are already close, and commercial use will follow.
The direction of construction is clear
To me, this is the essence of digital construction.
Drawing used to be hard, and a lot of the work was manual. Now, if the model is done properly, design → fabrication → assembly can almost run on its own. Add 3D printing and even more becomes possible.
I'm personally into this kind of digital fabrication, and the company I work with is doing a lot of related projects, so the video landed especially well.
Closing
How did this sit with you? If you also think about the future of construction, I hope it gave you a small spark. If you have questions or a different view, leave a comment. I want to talk about it.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a healthy, good day. This is HowBIM.
#digital construction #design automation #BIM #digital fabrication #Revit #Grasshopper #construction automation #3D printing #roll forming #STUDIO #Howick #smart construction