The Centre plays a major role in two out of seven research fields:
Research Field 4 - Automation and Digitalisation
SDU CREATE leads Research Field 4 (RF4) - Automation and Digitalisation, with Assoc. Prof. Roberto Naboni is serving as the scientific lead. This research field investigates how digitalisation and automation can reduce the environmental impact of construction while improving performance. It advances construction robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling as tools for intelligently acquiring and managing data, building with lower embodied carbon, and reducing resource extraction throughout the building lifecycle. Key directions developed by SDU CREATE include:
- Robotic low-carbon reinforced 3D concrete printing (3DCP) of prefabricated building systems - including structural design and optimisation of prefabricated low-carbon load-bearing concrete structures; and AI-driven robotic path planning and extrusion control to improve fabrication efficiency and material usage.
- Robotic assembly and disassembly of timber structures for extended carbon capture - including development of autonomous design and robotic construction workflows for adaptive and transformable timber assemblies; and the development of Material Digital Twin frameworks for continuous material lifecycle tracking and informed decision-making
Research Field 2 - Design for regeneration, circularity, and longevity
Within the Research Field 2 (RF2) - Design for regeneration, circularity, and longevity, which develops new design methodologies for regenerative and circular buildings. The field aims to establish a scientific foundation for buildings that actively restore environmental balance through circular material flows, biogenic resources and long-life design strategies. SDU CREATE’s contributions will include:
- Circular and regenerative design methods - Integration of computational design, performance-driven modelling and digital fabrication to support upcycling construction waste into structural systems
- Biogenic and reusable building systems - Development of timber-based and hybrid structural concepts designed for disassembly, reuse and multiple life cycles
- Bioreceptive design and fabrication for a regenerative built environment - Exploration of digitally enabled construction workflows that align design, fabrication and restoration of ecological systems
A Cross-Field Role in the Green Transition
Across both research fields, SDU CREATE contributes a strong integration of digitalisation, design innovation and fabrication research, bridging architectural design, engineering and robotics. By linking regenerative design principles with automation and digital workflows, the Centre supports CEBE’s ambition to establish Denmark as a global leader in sustainable construction and circular built environments.