Applying Construction Automation Research to Extraterrestrial Building Projects 2000-01-2465

In this paper, the authors give a brief overview of past construction automation research, including practical applications, and report on current efforts which attempt to increase efficiency, flexibility, autonomy, and architectural quality into the automated erection of habitable spaces. Current research includes genetic programming-enhanced design, the use of shape grammars for automatic layout of parametric spaces, the use of kit-of-parts concepts for quantified assembly, and concepts for efficient packing and shipping of building components and construction robots for automated deployment onsite. The paper concludes with a discussion of possibilities for applying terrestrial automated construction research and design concepts to building processes in hostile environments. A building type is proposed for the initial construction or extension of the First Mars Outpost, which includes preliminary discussions and design studies on parametric pneumatic building modules, site preparation and placement, and robotic construction equipment.