Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) of Standardized Modular Wood Components

Abstract

The challenges posed by urbanization and the linear product model of “obtain-consume-abolish” has led to irreversible damage to ecological resources. Design principles for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) of construction projects are critical to significantly increase overall productivity, reduce costs, minimize on-site waste generation, and improve engineering quality and worker safety. This research develops a robot-assisted off-site solution that utilizes wooden components (digital material) designed as interlocking structures for easy installation and disassembly. The workflow of component-design-fabrication-assembly-reconfiguration, connector design, and assembly configuration is combined with mechanical construction, guided by DfMA principles while establishing a Circular Economy (CE) framework. This research contributes to developing robotic construction practices that enhance circularity and mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on the environment.