Research's IaaC - RS3: HelioBot

Research Studio III: Digital Tectonics
Faculty: Marta Male-Alemany
Co-Faculty: Victor Viña
Assistant: César Cruz Cázares
Student Team: Felipe Pecegueiro, Kfir Gluzberg, Jorge Orozco

Project name: HelioBot

This is the full scale research and development of a machine for digitally controlled construction.  Our research aims to prototype an intelligent machine that utilizes and responds to the sun's energy.  We are concentrating solar energy for operations of burning, heating, and cutting in the preparation of materials and/or elements for assembly. The robot is also intended to rely on solar energy for electrical power, making it capable of operating autonomously.

Three components compliment each other to provide the Heliobot with the ability to execute limitless two dimensional paths for heating. An upper portion is exposed to the sun and utilizes a lens and mirrors to concentrate photons to a controlled location. This is mounted on a chassis equipped with an omni-directional mobility system. Finally, its intelligence lies in data collected from a path recorder and light sensor which allow the robot to respond to its environment in real time.