Abstract: A system for placing objects on a surface. The system may include a base, a robotic arm coupled, at an end thereof, to the base, an end effector coupled to the other end of the robotic arm. The end effector may be configured for releaseably coupling to an object to be placed on the surface. The system may further include one or more sensor units on a sensor frame. The one or more sensor units may be configured for sensing a two-dimensional profile data including at least two two-dimensional profiles together comprising at least three boundary portions of the object to be placed and at least three boundary portions of objects on the surface. At least two of the three boundary portions of the object to be placed may be from substantially non-parallel sides. At least two of the three boundary portions of the objects on the surface may be from substantially non-parallel sides.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a 3-dimensional structure, mesh formwork element for fabricating a 3-dimensional structure, and method of fabricating the same. The method of fabricating a 3-dimensional structure comprises providing a mesh formwork element such that a cavity bound by at least two opposing portions of the mesh formwork is formed; accumulating a material in the cavity; and allowing the material to harden; wherein apertures in the at least two opposing portions of the mesh formwork element are adapted to the hydro-static pressure of the accumulated material or vice versa such that at least two surfaces of the hardened material substantially take on the respective shapes defined by the two opposing portions of the mesh formwork element.

Abstract: A system for placing objects on a surface. The system may include a base, a robotic arm coupled, at an end thereof, to the base, an end effector coupled to the other end of the robotic arm. The end effector may be configured for releaseably coupling to an object to be placed on the surface. The system may further include one or more sensor units on a sensor frame. The one or more sensor units may be configured for sensing a two-dimensional profile data including at least two two-dimensional profiles together comprising at least three boundary portions of the object to be placed and at least three boundary portions of objects on the surface. At least two of the three boundary portions of the object to be placed may be from substantially non-parallel sides. At least two of the three boundary portions of the objects on the surface may be from substantially non-parallel sides.

Abstract: A bamboo composite material for structural applications and method of fabricating the same are provided. The method can comprise the steps of providing a bamboo culm; separating a slice or sheet from the bamboo culm such that the slice or sheet has a longitudinal axis along a fiber direction of the bamboo culm; at least partially detaching individual fiber bundles of the slice or sheet from each other along the longitudinal axis of the slice or sheet; applying a glue to the slice or sheet; and curing the glued slice or sheet.

Abstract: A bamboo composite material for structural applications and method of fabricating the same are provided. The method can comprise the steps of providing a bamboo culm; separating a slice or sheet from the bamboo culm such that the slice or sheet has a longitudinal axis along a fiber direction of the bamboo culm; at least partially detaching individual fiber bundles of the slice or sheet from each other along the longitudinal axis of the slice or sheet; applying a glue to the slice or sheet; and curing the glued slice or sheet.

Abstract: A bamboo composite material for structural applications and method of fabricating the same are provided. The method can comprise the steps of providing a bamboo culm; separating a slice or sheet from the bamboo culm such that the slice or sheet has a longitudinal axis along a fiber direction of the bamboo culm; at least partially detaching individual fiber bundles of the slice or sheet from each other along the longitudinal axis of the slice or sheet; applying a glue to the slice or sheet; and curing the glued slice or sheet.