Initiated in 2014, the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication aims to revolutionise architecture through the seamless combination of digital technologies and physical building processes. Over 60 researchers from six different academic disciplines collaborate to develop ground-breaking technologies for tomorrow’s construction. Their research allows Switzerland to take a leading position within the global field of digital fabrication. The NCCR Digital Fabrication is the first NCCR focused on architecture and construction funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Initiated at ETH Zurich, it is partnered with EPF Lausanne, the Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Bern University of Applied Sciences and Empa.
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07.12.2023
Philippe Fleischmann is Head of Industrial Robotics and Automation at the Robotic Fabrication Lab (RFL) and part of the NCCR DFAB. This summer, he travelled to Ottawa (Canada) for a sabbatical to help set up a new lab as an expert in industrial robots. But how did it come about that Philippe, a…
05.12.2023
SAEKI specialises in providing decentralized production hubs for large elements like non-standard 3D-printed formwork. Co-founders Matthias Leschok and Andrea Perissinotto talk about what automated production means and where the start-up is heading in the future.
04.12.2023
Matthias Brenner, doctoral student at the Chair of Construction Heritage and Preservation at ETH Zurich, uses digital fabrication to produce customised spare parts for a complex façade made from bespoke metal elements. He aims to extend their useful life.
24.11.2023
A new article based on research conducted within the NCCR DFAB has been published in Science Robotics. The article introduces a robotic construction pipeline that is capable of planning and building freeform stone walls and landscapes from highly heterogeneous local materials using a robotic…
15.11.2023
The NCCR DFAB supported the organisation and implementation of this year's Swiss Robotics Day in Zurich and presented numerous research projects to the visitors.
14.11.2023
The Swiss National Future Day has a long tradition at the NCCR Digital Fabrication. Every year, we invite children aged 10 to 13 to explore the world of digital fabrication together with our researchers and employees.
21.05.2024 - 24.05.2024
Philippe Fleischmann is Head of the Industrial Robotics and Automation Department in the Robotic Fabrication Lab (RFL). This summer, he travelled to Ottawa (Canada) for a sabbatical to help set up the Carleton Sensory Architecture and Liminal Technologies (CSALT) Lab at Carlton University. This has now led to a workshop during the international RobARCH trade…
26.08.2024 - 30.08.2024
The NCCR Digital Fabrication, in collaboration with ETH Zürich, is pleased to host the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) annual symposium on 26-30 August 2024. The theme of IASS 2024 is “Redefining the Art of Structural Design” which will highlight the important legacy of structural design in Switzerland as well as current research and…
09.11.2023
On the morning of 9 November 2023, ETH Zurich will open doors to the world of science for kids! They will have the opportunity to discover an array of interesting projects within the NCCR DFAB.Please not that places on the NCCR DFAB programme are already fully booked…
03.11.2023
Swiss Robotics Day is Switzerland’s premier exhibition on robotics for service sectors. It brings together professionals and enthusiasts, fostering connections, sharing ideas, creating business opportunities, and attracting talent.
26.10.2023
Swissnex in San Francisco is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the centre is launching a new initiative on the future of cities with a series of events on future thinking. The aim of the initiative is to develop new solutions for healthier and more successful living in cities. An event will be held in Zurich on 26 October. You can…
14.09.2023 - 16.09.2023
HIGH-TECH HERITAGE: (IM)PERMANENCE OF INNOVATIONThe conference focuses on High-Tech Architecture of the 1970s to the 1990s as heritage, aiming to create an architectural-historical basis for further research on their preservation. This offers the opportunity to discuss the examples that have already been listed as monuments, diverse approaches…