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064-0026-00L 2 Credits DR D-MATL , D-ARCH
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Compas II: Introduction to Computational Methods for Digital Fabrication in Architecture

Lecturers: Prof. Fabio Gramazio
Examiners: Prof. Fabio Gramazio, Gonzalo Casas
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:15

Abstract

This PhD-level course begins with an overview of the COMPAS framework basics, and then introduces digital fabrication methods and tools based on it. Students learn fundamentals of robotics, robot kinematics and planning, and basics of robot control applied in the domain of architecture and digital fabrication using the COMPAS and COMPAS FAB framework and open source tools.

Objective

1. Understand fundamentals of robotics, coordinate systems, transformations and orientation representations. 2. Learn forward and inverse kinematic functions and their application. 3. Learn Cartesian and kinematic robot planning methods 4. Apply these concepts to design and implement digital fabrication processes. 5. Gain an understanding of different robot control methods and their application.

Content

Lectures, tutorials and project-based exercises will focus on: - Introduction to fundamentals of robotics. - Introduction to COMPAS and COMPAS FAB framework. - Robot model representations. - Robot forward and inverse kinematics. - Robot path planning: Cartesian motion planning and kinematic motion planning, planning scene and collision detection. - Integration of planning tools into parametric design environment (CAD). - Overview and usage of ROS (Robot Operating System). - Design of digital fabrication processes (assembly of discrete elements, 3D printing, etc.).

Resources

Lecture Notes

Zoom:https://ethz.zoom.us/j/96881394785Material:https://github.com/compas-teaching/COMPAS-II-FS2023

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
colloquium Compas II: Introduction to Computational Methods for Digital Fabrication in Architecture
Does not take place this semester. No course 17.3.2025 (seminar week) an in the last two weeks of the semester, s. room reservations!
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In