News Ticker

Boston Dynamics and its autonomous SpotMini robot to headline Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) technology conference NXT BLD on June 11

Theverymany, Katerra, Epic Games, Neoscape, KPF, Hassell Studio and other leading firms to give a glimpse into the future of architecture, digital fabrication, VR, design visualisation, computational design and 3D printed buildings.

On 11 June 2019, NXT BLD (Next Build), the leading event dedicated to future technology for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, will explore how innovations in digital fabrication, architecture, autonomous robots, computational design, visualisation and VR, are set to revolutionise the construction industry.

The conference and exhibition takes place in London, UK at Westminster’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre. The main stage presentations will also be livestreamed free to registered users outside the UK.

Michael Perry of celebrated robotics firm Boston Dynamics will give the keynote presentation He will be joined on stage by the SpotMini to explain how human-like mobility can bring automation to construction sites. The nimble four-legged robot can handle objects and climb stairs for applications including autonomous construction progress monitoring through laser scanning.

Xavier De Kestelier of Hassell Studio will present a NASA competition project that explores how a human habitat could be delivered on Mars using autonomous 3D printing.

Sophisticated computational design tools are playing an increasingly important role as architects develop ever more complex forms to drive new construction techniques. Marc FornesTheverymany, will present leading research, designed to advance computational protocols and complex assemblies in architecture and beyond.

Every aspect of building design, from materials supply to construction is being optimised by US giant Katerra. Richard Harpham and Abhijit Oak will share the company’s transformation strategy for the global construction industry, which combines cutting edge fabrication technology with its Apollo software platform, a suite of applications designed to support building projects and teams from beginning to end.

“The way in which buildings are being fabricated and constructed is changing dramatically, from robotic assembly of steel facades to 3D printing in situ,” said Martyn Day, NXT BLD Director. “Digital fabrication will not only bring untold efficiencies to the construction process but will have a profound impact on architecture and design. We’ve assembled an incredible array of leading speakers which will explore new levels of automation from factories, structures built entirely by robots, even on planet Mars, and bold new architectural forms that could never even be conceived before. Be part of the future. You’ll see all this and more at NXT BLD.”