Assist.Prof. Steven Beites receives a grant to develop a robot for automated building fabrication

Assistant Professor Steven Beites has received a two-year $250,000 grant from the New Frontiers Research Fund to develop a portable robot for automated building fabrication. His research project (called “Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creative Economy, Community Outreach and Emerging Design-Build Solutions in Ontario’s North”) seeks to eliminate barriers of entry to digital fabrication in Northern Ontario by enabling non-professional participants, through the development of a novel mobile robotic construction platform and user interface, the ability to engage in emergent technologies. The introduction of digital tools and technologies in northern communities, within a non-technical framework would promote fabrication and design, acting as a catalyst for a creative economy and empowering residents with local building solutions. Follow the link to learn more: