MIT researchers have developed a robotic assembly system using interlocking 3D subunits called voxels to build structures. This method aims to reduce the embodied carbon of construction by up to 82 percent compared to traditional steel framing and 3D concrete printing. The system uses a high-strength octet lattice design that allows for mechanical self-alignment, speeding up the build process and reducing the need for connectors. While fire resistance and long-term durability still need testing, the study suggests this approach could make large-scale construction more sustainable and cost-competitive.
