FAB26 Boston

Material innovation also means rethinking how we build with them.

Presented at FAB26 Boston, MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms showcased its research into voxel assembly systems - a robotic construction method based on modular building blocks that create lightweight, load-bearing structures. Unlike conventional construction, voxel-based systems are designed to be assembled, disassembled and endlessly reconfigured, extending the lifespan of both materials and structures.

The research explores a wide range of applications for voxel construction and different robotic assembly methods. Its latest project, Sustainable Voxel Construction, introduces autonomous mobile robots that assemble reversible building blocks using locally sourced renewable materials, including wood and bio-composites. Developed in collaboration with Bhutan’s Druk Holding and Investments and the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fablab, the initiative supports the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City while demonstrating how distributed, local fabrication can contribute to more adaptable and circular construction systems.

The research is led by Miana Smith  , with contributions from Vlasta Kubusova and the Crafting Plastics team, alongside Amira Abdel-Rahman, Alessio Zazo, Alexander Htet Kyaw, Paul Richard, Marcello Tania, Jack Forman, Sophia Wang, Jiaming Liu, Tshering Wangzom, Chirag Sharma, Yeshey Wangmo Lepcha, Subham Chhetri, Tenzin Kuenkhyab and Neil Gershenfeld. The project was further supported by Anthony Pennes, Dan Gilbert, Eyal Perry , Sergio Mutis, the Autodesk Technology Center team, Toyota, the DHI team and the entire CBA team.

We’re proud to contribute with our biobased material solution to this interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise in robotics, computational design, materials research and digital fabrication to rethink how buildings can be designed, assembled and continuously adapted over time.