Latin American Universities and Networks adapting Robots Arms for Design and Architecture

Abstract

Adapting emerging technologies is a key factor for innovation in engineering, technology and computing education. Tradition considers that Latin America seeks technological responses in the rest of the world to its own challenges. However, Latin America offers opposite responses to this statement. Thus, we analyze the implementation of robot arms in architecture schools, driven by Latin American collaborative networks with an emphasis on solutions originating from the challenges of their context. We mapped infrastructure, roles, models, and characteristics of 23 industrial robotic arms located in 15 architecture schools in five Latin American countries installed since 2013, identifying uses in design, fabrication, construction and/or operations. This analysis of experiences would promote global alliances, understanding what the region offers or does not offer, from its networks and universities. The results show a map for Latin American schools that aspire to integrate or seek new uses for robots in design and construction education.