Arch_Manu Talk Series 38_ Xiliu Yang

Join us for Arch_Manu Talk Series 38 [Construction Futures Theme] with Xiliu Yang, Research Associate at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), Stuttgart University.

Talk title: Human-centred and Integrative Co-Design for Human-robot Collaboration in Timber Construction with Augmented Reality

Abstract: This CPD explores how human-centred and integrative co-design approaches can advance human-robot collaboration in timber construction. It draws on interdisciplinary methods from architecture, engineering, and computer science to present a conceptual framework connecting human, system, and design spaces, alongside a technical framework integrating safety, AR interfaces, and computational design workflows. The session introduces the Vizor framework and showcases its application across case studies and empirical experiments on human–human and human–robot collaboration, revealing how users engage with AR and robotic systems in both controlled and real-world environments. Attendees will gain insights and strategies for designing and evaluating user-centred collaborative fabrication workflows and interfaces in their practice.

Speaker bio: Xiliu Yang leads the research group on human-machine collaboration at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction. Her research integrates digital fabrication, mixed reality, robotics, and human-centred design methodologies in architecture and construction. Xiliu received a B.A in architecture from HKU and a M.Sc from ITECH Stuttgart. Her Ph.D developed a human-centred approach to robotic timber construction through human-robot collaboration with carpenters and industrial robots.

Formal CPD offering: This talk is offered as a formal CPD course for architects, mapped to the performance criteria of PC18 and PC28 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects. You will earn 1 formal point upon completing the CPD questions. If you would like to receive a certificate, please select the Formal CPD Add-On when ordering your ticket. The questionnaire will be sent to you on the morning of the course. A certificate will be issued once your attendance for the full lecture hour is confirmed. Please note that late arrivals and early departures will result in the loss of the Formal CPD certificate.

Learning Outcomes: Through experiments and case studies in AR-based multi-user interfaces and human-robot collaboration, participants learn how computational tools and user-centred methods can be applied to design and iteratively evaluate concept design options. The session will sensitise architects to co-design processes involving experts from architecture, engineering and computer science disciplines. Participants will gain practical insights into how collaboration and technological parameters inform the design of human-robot collaboration in construction and how to develop preliminary design research to inform more resilient, human-centred processes.

SDG Goals: This presentation addresses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 8, 9, 12.

Date: Tuesday 02 December 2025, 3:00-4:30PM AEDT

In-person: UNSW Design Futures Lab. Squarehouse, UNSW Sydney, E4 First Ave W, Kensington NSW 2033, Australia

Online: The MS Teams meeting link will be emailed with your registration confirmation.

This event is organised by the ARC Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing (Arch_Manu). For further information please visit: www.archmanu.com

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