Abstract: A system for characterization of lumber is presented. The system includes a computing module having processor that generates a first fiducial to be printed on the lumber. The system includes an applicator module having a first printer that prints the first fiducial onto the lumber. The system includes a vision module having a camera that captures the first fiducial as printed on the lumber. The processor of the computing module determines lumber information based on a print distortion of the first fiducial as printed on the lumber. The first printer of the applicator module prints a label including the lumber information onto the lumber.

Abstract: A method for automatic panel design and fabrication includes receiving a two-dimensional or three-dimensional architectural plan for a building, converting the architectural plan into a first data file that contains information about a location, length, and style of each wall included in the architectural plan, obtaining, from the first data file, a list of walls to automatically generate a second data file that contains a list of panels to be constructed for each of the list of walls, and generating a set of commands for each of panels in the list and transmitting the set of commands to a robotic builder, to allow the robotic builder to automatically build each of the panels in the list.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated cutting of lumber are disclosed. The system includes a loading module that receives lumber from a loading area and places the lumber on a cutting table. The system includes an actuating module that receives the lumber from the loading module, inspects the lumber, records lumber information based on the inspection, and positions the lumber on the cutting table in preparation for cutting. The system includes a sensor module that detects the position of the lumber on the cutting table, and records the position to the lumber information. The system includes a computing module that analyzes the lumber information received from the actuating module and sensor module. The system includes a cutting module that cuts the lumber based the lumber information, the cutting resulting in cut lumber. The system includes an unloading module that places the cut lumber on an unloading area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a stud plate connector are disclosed. The system can include a base plate having a first cam slot and a second cam slot, where the second cam slot is approximately a mirror image of the first cam slot. The system can include a first upper cam-follower located within the first cam slot. The system can include a second upper cam-follower located within the second cam slot, where the first and second cam-followers hold opposite sides of a first lumber and move the first lumber to contact a second lumber. The system can include a first lower gripper and a second lower gripper for holding the second lumber in a perpendicular direction with respect to the first lumber. The system can include a bonding device located before to the first and second lumber, where the bonding device bonds the first and second lumber together.

Abstract: An autonomous system for supporting wooden members is presented. The autonomous system includes a mobile robot configured to lift, move, and position robotic jack stands on a working surface. The autonomous system also includes a robotic jack stand with electromagnets operable to demagnetize when the mobile robot lifts the robotic jack stand from the working surface and magnetize when the mobile robot positions the robotic jack stand onto the working surface. The robotic jack stand also includes a vise member with a stationary member and a sliding member. A first motor moves the vise member along an x direction, a pair of motors move the sliding member along an y direction, and a second motor rotates a portion of the robotic jack stand by an angle theta around a z direction. The autonomous system further includes a localization system to determine a spatial location of the robotic jack stand in reference to the x direction, the y direction, and the angle theta.

Abstract: An autonomous system for installing nail plates in wooden structures is provided. The system includes a C-clamp press attached to and be operated by a mobile robot. The C-clamp press includes a hydraulic cylinder operable to move a top plate relative to a stationary bottom plate; a coupler interposed between an end of the hydraulic cylinder and a the top plate; a stationary bottom plate; a top magnetic plate attached to the top plate; and a bottom magnetic plate attached to the bottom plate. Each of the top and bottom magnetic plates are configured to hold a nail plate and to embed the nail plate into a wooden member of a wooden structure when the C-clamp press is operated by the mobile robotic arm. The system further includes a computer vision system and a pressure sensor.

Abstract: Techniques of automated framing for use in the construction of building structures are described. Examples of such structures includes walls, wall panels, roofs, and the like. In one scenario, a robotic automated framing system assists with construction of a building structure. The robotic automated framing system can analyze an architectural plan and determine a project, based at least in part, on the architectural plan. The robotic automated framing system can also schedule a robot to perform the project, and cause the robot to perform at least some of the project.