Date and Time:
July 28-31, 2026

Venue:
Hibikino Campus, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu

Hosted by:
DigitalFUTURES
Robotics Institute, University College London (UCL)

Organized by:
The University of Kitakyushu
Asia Institute of Urban Environment

Supported by:
Kitakyushu Convention & Visitors Association

About the Symposium

This symposium focuses on the application of robotics in architecture, particularly the integration of advanced robotic timber construction technologies with traditional Japanese timber construction techniques and contemporary precut technologies.
The symposium aims to bring together leading researchers from UCL, Tongji University, and Japan to explore new possibilities for next-generation timber construction. By combining robotic fabrication, algorithmic design, traditional Japanese jointing techniques, and modern construction technologies, the event seeks to establish an international research platform for innovative architectural production.

Background and Objectives

In recent years, the construction industry has faced serious global challenges, including rising labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers. As a result, the introduction of robotics into architectural design and construction has become an urgent and important issue.
At The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, researchers are exploring new possibilities for timber architecture through the integration of robotic fabrication and algorithmic design. These approaches enable the realization of complex and organic architectural forms.
Meanwhile, Japanese traditional timber construction has developed highly sophisticated jointing techniques known as tsugite and shiguchi. These techniques have significant potential to evolve into innovative connection systems for contemporary architecture when combined with multi-axis robotic fabrication.
The symposium also focuses on the difference between timber construction methods in Japan and Europe. While square timber members are commonly used in Japan, planar timber elements are more widely used in Europe. By applying Japanese jointing techniques to European timber materials, the project aims to develop new technological pathways for the global application of traditional construction knowledge.

Technical Visits / Related Activities

As part of the initiative, participants will visit advanced robotic production and manufacturing facilities in the Kyushu region, including:
Yaskawa Electric Corporation
TOTO Ltd.
Precut factories
Through these visits, participants will examine advanced production systems, robotic technologies, and modern timber processing methods. The technical tour will support practical discussions on how robotic technologies can be applied to architectural construction.

Paper Submission and Publication

The symposium welcomes paper submissions from researchers, professionals, and students working in architecture, robotics, digital fabrication, timber construction, and related fields.
Accepted papers will be presented at the symposium. The registration fee is USD 200. For authors who wish to include their papers in the symposium proceedings, an additional publication fee of USD 100 will be required.

Please send your abstract(templet) to rtta2026@ismart.institute

Abstract-template-of-RTTA2026 Download

Outstanding papers that are highly relevant to the symposium theme may be recommended for further consideration by the journal Architectural Intelligence, and
the Journal of iSMART
subject to the journal’s review and publication procedures.

Participants / Speakers

Weijun Gao

Professor, The University of Kitakyushu
Specialization: Architectural Environmental Engineering and Urban Environmental Planning

Marjan Colletti

Invited Speaker
Professor, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
A leading figure in post-digital architecture

Pradeep Devadass

Invited Speaker
Lecturer, Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
Specialist in robotic architecture and digital fabrication

Philip F. Yuan

Invited Speaker
Dean and Professor, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University
A pioneer in AI-driven, robotic, and 3D-printed architecture

Bart Julien Dewancker

Technical Tour Guide
Professor, The University of Kitakyushu
Specializing in architectural and landscape design

Hiroatsu Fukuda

Coordinator
Professor, The University of Kitakyushu / Visiting Researcher, UCL Bartlett
Specialist in robotic timber construction and coordinator of this collaboration

Expected Outcomes

The symposium is expected to contribute to:

Promotion of Kyushu as a hub for advanced architectural and construction technologies
through collaboration with regional industries and research institutions.

Development of new architectural construction methods
through the integration of robotics and traditional timber construction techniques.

Advancement of global construction technology research
by promoting comparative and integrative understanding of architectural production methods.

Establishment of international collaborative research and educational programs
among Japan, the UK, China, and other international partners.