Next-Gen Construction

 

SMF4INFRA seeks to transform the execution of complex infrastructure projects. Such projects necessitate a shift towards more dynamic and technologically integrated manufacturing processes, diverging from traditional methods prevalent in the supply chain. The enhancement of cost control, time efficiency, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions stand at the forefront of this transition. The primary aim of the ongoing research is to ideate and construct both a physical and a digital model of a Smart Mobile Factory (SMF). This factory model will incorporate cutting-edge logistics capable of real-time monitoring and analytics, which will facilitate advanced planning and on-the-spot production capabilities.


ABOUT PROJECT

 

SMARTNESS

A smart factory creates a digital twin of the physical manufacturing systems, establishing a seamless bi-directional data exchange. This interconnectedness is pivotal for enabling comprehensive advanced planning, realistic simulation, and efficient on-demand production processes.

MOBILITY

A mobile factory can be described as a distributed production facility composed of reconfigurable and mobile production systems that facilitate the adjustment of production capacity and functionality according to on-site conditions.

SUSTAINABILITY

The development of the SMF will include a comprehensive, real-time life cycle assessment to ensure sustainability is woven into its core. This dynamic evaluation will track and optimize the environmental impact throughout the SMF's life cycle.


NEWS & EVENTS

 

2024 SMF4INFRA Annual Meeting in ETH Zurich

On September 18-19, 2024, we gathered for the annual meeting of the Smart Mobile Factory for Infrastructure Project (SMF4INFRA) at ETH-Zürich, Switzerland. The event allowed us to review the project's progress and align on the next steps. A key highlight was our visit to the DemoTube infrastructure at the EuroTube Foundation in Dübendorf, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in transportation technology. We are excited to see how this project, combining distributed manufacturing systems, digital twin technology, and life cycle analysis, continues to drive innovation in digital construction and infrastructure. 

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Jianxiang Ma Presented at the Net-Zero Future 2024 Conference

PhD student Jianxiang Ma from the Chair of Sustainable Construction in Institute of Construction and Infrastructure Management, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich, attended the Net-Zero Future 2024 conference in Oslo, Norway, from June 19th to 21st. The event featured eight keynote talks and over 200 presentations.

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Jianpeng Cao Presented at the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC)

Assistant professor Daniel Hall and Postdoctoral Researcher Jianpeng Cao, from the Section of Design & Construction Management, Department of Management in the Built Environment at TU Delft's Faculty of Architecture, attended the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC) 2024. The conference took place in Lille, France, from June 3rd to 5th and featured six keynote talks and over 200 presentations.

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Technical Research Meeting at ETH Zürich

On April 26, 2024, researchers Andrea Revolti, Jianxiang Ma, and Jianpeng Cao met at ETH Zürich. The gathering focused on updating the progress of the Hyperloop construction and selecting advanced sensors for integration into a physical factory prototype. Additionally, the potential use cases of digital twin applications are discussed.

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