FS23 - Talk 3: Prof. Dr. Kathrin Dörfler and Prof. Dr. Katharina Klemt-Albert

Prof. Dr. Kathrin Dörfler
Title: Collaborative Construction

Abstract: To address the complexities of future (re)construction, the talk introduces concepts of robustness, redundancy, and resilience, all framed within collaborative construction. Emphasizing the need for robotic construction systems that are robust and can withstand uncertainties, redundancy to ensure alternative pathways in case of failures, and resilience to adapt to changing conditions, the presentation advocates for a holistic approach that considers environmental, economic, and societal impacts. On one hand, by fostering a collaborative ecosystem where humans and machines complement each other, this talk aims to discuss challenges and opportunities in human-robot collaboration. It will highlight the role of careful design considerations, task planning, and coordination, to facilitate synergistic cooperation and to ensure that redundant components can seamlessly take over in case of unpredictable situations without causing disruptions. On the other, by integrating suitable material systems with robotic building processes and geometric differentiation, this talk aims to uncover how to balance between system functionality and resource-effectiveness, moving beyond just efficiency. Illustrated through a series of case studies, it will depict how this holistic approach requires advancements in technology and collaborative efforts among architectural and engineering researchers and domain experts, driving collaborative construction toward transformative progress.


Bio: Kathrin Dörfler, an architect, researcher, and educator in computational design and robotic fabrication, holds a master’s degree in architecture from TU Vienna and a PhD from ETH Zurich. Her doctoral thesis, conducted at Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zurich, as part of the NCCR Digital Fabrication, advanced methods for the use of construction robots directly on building sites. In 2019, Kathrin assumed the role of Tenure Track Professor at the School of Engineering and Design at the Technical University of Munich. Here, she leads a research group for Digital Fabrication in the Department of Architecture, exploring the synergy between computational design and robotic fabrication. The group's focus includes collaborative fabrication processes, on-site robotics, and fabrication-aware design for a sustainable future of construction.



Prof. Dr. Katharina Klemt-Albert
Title: Sustainable Digitalization in Infrastructure and Construction – a German Perspective

Abstract: Digital transformation and sustainability are the most important issues in the construction industry. In Europe specifically, carbon policies will rapidly change the industry's agenda over the next decade, requiring urgent action to achieve net-zero targets. Construction, which is responsible for nearly 40 percent of global CO₂ emissions - is on one hand elusive, but on the other offers the greatest potential for innovation. Professor Klemt-Albert is involved in initiatives launched by Germany's federal government to leverage the potential in construction. This concerns both federal-owned building structures and in particular Germany’s extensive road and railway infrastructures. In addition to these insights, she will show current research results in the field of sustainable digitalization and present the new learning factory for construction robotics set up at RWTH Aachen University.

Bio: Prof. Katharina Klemt-Albert is director of the ICoM – the Institute for Construction Management, Digital Engineering and Robotics in Construction at RWTH Aachen University. Projects at ICoM focus on sustainable digitalization and smart automation in architecture, engineering and construction. RWTH Aachen University owns the title to be called German University of Excellence, besides being a founding member of the IDEA League, a strategic alliance of five leading technical universities in Europe. Before joining RWTH Aachen University, Klemt-Albert was chair and professor at Leibniz Universität Hannover since 2016. Her academic career began with studies in civil engineering at Ruhr University in Bochum. In 2001, she earned a doctorate with honours from the Technical University of Darmstadt in cooperation with the Northwestern University, U.S.A. Professor Klemt-Albert has extensive management and industrial experience. She spent 14 years in top management at Deutsche Bahn AG, most recently as managing director of an international engineering company with 1,500 employees. She was responsible for numerous mega projects with a focus on the Gulf region, Asia and South America. She is also the founder of albert.ing GmbH, a specialized provider for digital transformation.