IF7 Infill Module

PROJECT TITLE: IMS project #96009: IF7 – Innovative and Intelligent Field Factory.

INVESTIGATORS: A. Scott Howe, (Co-I) as Kajima representative working under Kajima Technical Research Institute (KATRI) team member Isamu Ishii. Coordination for overall project: Hitachi Zosen Corporation. Other investigators included representatives from Shimizu, KTH, Imperial College, Hazama Corporation, Construct IT, TU Munich, and Lancaster University.

Dr. Howe functioned as PI for a small fraction of the IF7 Infill project: to develop a generic modular volumetric block as an interface specification for a "drawer-type" support-infill construction system.

FUNDING: US$10,000 (Dr. Howe's portion) funded through Kajima Technical Research Institute (KATRI).

PERIOD: Apr 1998 - Mar 2001.

ABSTRACT:

Overall IF7 project abstract:
The aim of this research is to develop technologies for automated assembly of large structures such as factory facilities. The project aims at turning the following seven dreams into reality:

1. If we could build large scale objects, e.g., building, bridge and ship, in a comfortable condition somewhat like an air-conditioned factory, ...
2. If we could easily build a temporary factory at site, ...
3. If we could decrease construction duration half as short as that of today, ...
4. If robots could assemble large components easily, ...
5. If detailed information, proactive advises and guidelines in all locations of construction sites could be accessible by people for thinking or decision-making, ...
6. If we could have virtual dynamic construction simulation system integrated with an intelligent planning, scheduling and performance management system, ...
7. If autonomous agents could support our decision making, ...

This project will attempt to develop the technology and machinery required for automatic assembling of large structures such as buildings and ships.

The advantages and limitations of two basic alternative assembly methods will be established: assembly of unit members such as columns and beams singly into the end structure, versus assembly of components first into blocks of appropriate size before incorporation into the final structure.

To automate component assembly, novel concepts will be applied to the development of new types of industrial robots capable of handling large, heavy members or blocks to establish the mechanics of their operation and ensure their working accuracy.

Work will also be done to develop an information management system with decision-making ability to solve problems arising at any stage of assembly, using a comprehensive database containing knowledge accumulated from experience as well as all relevant information input, from the design stage to daily variables at the building site.

A sub-system will be developed to provide timely information on potential hazards at a site and other factors that might interfere with productivity, and to identify counter measures.

Sub-abstract (managed by Dr. Howe):
The purpose of this research is to analyze the various subsystems in a building and divide them up into manageable components in a discrete kit-of-parts whose components can be manufactured through field factories and onsite automated assembly. The approach will be to consider the various life expectancy of the building subsystems and provide an accessible means of adding and removing components during construction and during the entire lifetime of the building. The “support / infill” concept will be expanded upon, where a generic infill block module will be established as an interface specification, such that general contractors will provide infrastructure frames for the modules, and infill manufacturers will be able to manufacture blocks that will fit into the frames.

Other relevant links, images, and animations:
IF7 Infill fly-through animation (1.6mb)
IF7 Infill block insertion scenario (6.8mb)

Miyamoto, Ishii, Shibata, Dobashi, Howe, Yoshida, Takada, Ueno, Kunugi, Yagi, Nakata, Hatakeyama, Kigawada, Yomo, and Koga (1998). Study on assembly process for large-scale structures. Heisei 10 nendo IMS Kenkyu Seika Koen Ronbushu (1998 IMS Research Results), pp.119-122. Tokyo, Japan: Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Center.