Robotic AI Research — Grant Award

Project Description:

Principal Investigator: Dr. Shermeen Yousif, School of Architecture, CAPPA, UT Arlington | 2026–2027

Generative AI has transformed how architects explore form and space, but its outputs remain largely visual — disconnected from the structural, material, and environmental performance that real buildings demand. This project closes that gap.

Materializing AI Ecologies develops a design-to-fabrication framework that turns AI-generated concepts into tangible, high-performing architectural prototypes. The workflow moves through three integrated phases: AI-driven design exploration, performance simulation and optimization, and robotic fabrication via thermoplastic extrusion. It is applied to case studies including responsive façades, acoustic systems, and thermally modulating walls — testing how digital speculation can become measurable, sustainable material reality.

Based in CAPPA's newly established Performative AI Lab, the project pairs a robotic fabrication arm with an immersive LED visualization wall to create a real-time feedback loop between simulation and physical production. Beyond advancing research at the intersection of AI, computation, and environmental performance, it lays the groundwork for external funding from the NSF and U.S. Department of Energy and provides students a platform for interdisciplinary, hands-on research.

Supported by a UTA Research Enhancement Program (REP) grant.