Robotic Construction Living Lab 2026

A year-long experimental platform on robotic and sustainable construction, developed by IAAC as part of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026.

To celebrate Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026, IAAC launches the Robotic Construction Living Lab 2026, a year-long experimental platform dedicated to robotic and sustainable construction. Running from February to December 2026, the Living Lab will host participatory activities, public demonstrations and research-driven events across IAAC’s experimental construction laboratories.

The initiative positions IAAC as an active contributor to the World Capital of Architecture programme, opening its research infrastructure to professionals, institutions, students and the wider public.

A Living Lab for Robotic and Sustainable Construction

Developed in collaboration with industry partners, researchers, faculty and students, the Robotic Construction Living Lab 2026 unfolds across two complementary IAAC sites, each addressing a specific dimension of advanced construction.

At IAAC Valldaura Labs, a decade of research into 3D printing with earth reaches a new milestone with the latest phase of the award-winning 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) Forest Campus. The lab also showcases advanced scanning and milling technologies for timber construction, operating in close relationship with the surrounding forest ecosystem and its biodiversity.

At IAAC Pujades Labs, the focus shifts to robotic construction in urban contexts. Autonomous robotic systems are deployed on-site to enable new circular construction practices, particularly in renovation projects. The lab also presents collaborative robotic workflows that redefine digital craftsmanship by combining human expertise with industrial processes, computational design and artificial intelligence.

Programme and Activities

The Living Lab programme spans the entire year and includes:

Live robotic demonstrations in construction and industrial environments
Guided visits to robotically constructed buildings
One-to-one prototype mock-ups and research showcases
Research presentations and expert lectures
Key networking events connecting academia, industry and institutions

Beyond demonstrations, the Living Lab functions as an educational and civic platform, allowing local communities, students and professionals to engage directly with ongoing research and design processes in robotic construction.

Research Projects and Collaborations

The Robotic Construction Living Lab 2026 brings together demonstrators and research developed within IAAC’s collaborative projects, including TOVA, TEIXIT, HELIA, DeCO₂, ScaleXD, InsideCove, ForestED, CORA, Solar Greenhouse, among others.

Industrial and institutional partners involved include WASP, ELKE, UR, KUKA, ABB, Universitat de Lleida (UdL), CFC, AFG, CTFC, among others. Several of these initiatives have received funding from the European Union and the Spanish Government, reinforcing the Living Lab’s role as a bridge between research, industry and public impact.

Public Events Timeline

The Robotic Construction Living Lab 2026 aligns with the official calendar of UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026, taking place from 12 February to 23 December 2026.

12–20 February
Live demos and visits — IAAC Valldaura Labs (with 3DPA)
27 February
Inauguration event — IAAC Pujades & Valldaura Labs (with 3DPA)
March–June
Live demos and visits — IAAC Pujades Labs (with Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction)
26 June
Research presentations — IAAC Pujades Labs (with Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction & Master in Advanced Architecture)
2 July
Research exhibition — IAAC Pujades Labs (with Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction & Master in Advanced Architecture)
4 July
Special event for UIA guests — IAAC Valldaura Labs
5–25 September
Live demos and visits — IAAC Valldaura Labs (with 3DPA)
October–December
Live demos and visits — IAAC Pujades Labs (with Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction & Master in Advanced Architecture)
18 December
Conclusion event — IAAC Valldaura Labs

Note: Dates and programme details are subject to confirmation. A dedicated registration form for public activities will be available in the coming weeks.