Crafts of the Future

Roboterarm mit Greifwerkzeug arbeitet an einer Mauer aus Ziegelsteinen. Ein roter Laserstrahl markiert die Ausrichtung, im Hintergrund ist eine Person mit Warnweste unscharf zu erkennen.

The research project »Crafts of the Future: Data-driven Planning and Human-Robot Interaction in Existing Buildings« is developing innovative concepts, techniques, and methods for the digital adaptation and extension of the existing building stock. A key focus is on data-supported planning, monitoring, and construction processes – and in particular, assistive technologies and human-robot interaction. In this, the project addresses the acute shortage of skilled workers and labor in the construction industry, as well as stagnating productivity. At the same time, the aim is to foster innovative and holistic solutions for the existing building stock, including surveying, marking, structural assessment, material monitoring, and other assistive tasks.

A particular emphasis is put on integrating the different stakeholder perspectives, especially planning offices and craft businesses, which are brought together directly and integrated into the overall research and development process. Key topics addressed by the project include:

networked and innovative planning processes
adapted construction methods and structural systems
on-site robotic assistance and bespoke automation solutions
sustainable material systems and application models
integral process chains and flexible construction methods

The research project is being pursued on an interdisciplinary basis and in cooperation between the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the Material Research and Testing Institute (MFPA) Weimar. It is supported by an Industrial Advisory Board and will receive approximately one million euros in funding from the European Social Fund and the Thüringer Aufbaubank from 2026 to 2028.

As part of the MDR documentary ‘The Bauhaus Code – Revolution of Everyday Life’ (written and directed by Jörg Pfeifer), the ‘Robotic Tectonics’ teaching and research format – developed by the professorships of Design Theory/Design Research and Advanced Structures – was presented. The focus was particularly on the academic staff and students at the D–LAB. Using this format, the programme explored key questions regarding the ideas and ideals of the historic Bauhaus and examined how these can be translated into the present and the future.

The programme is available in the ARD Mediathek via this link (available until 20 August 2027).

The findings from the interdisciplinary Bauhaus course series on robotic learning and experimentation (designed and delivered by the professorships of Design Theory/Design Research and Advanced Structures) were presented at the IEEE German Education Conference (GECon) 2026 at the Technical University of Ilmenau. Direct access to industrial robotics within the teaching and learning context, and the imparting (and testing) of fundamental knowledge regarding the conception, design and implementation of robotic interaction and manipulation, play a key role. The conference proceedings will be published shortly.

For further information, please follow this link.

As part of the ‘Crafts of the Future’ research project, an interactive demonstration was held on 17 June 2026 at the D-LAB of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. During the event, schoolgirls were able to compete playfully against a collaborative robot arm and experience first-hand how humans and machines interact and can work together in the skilled trades in the future. The demonstration was part of »Tag der Ingenieurwissenschaften« (Engineering Day), which brought together around 250 schoolgirls as well as numerous guests from the worlds of science, business, politics and education.

Further information on »Tag der Ingenieurwissenschaften« can be found via this link.

The research project works closely with an industry advisory board comprising Thuringian companies and other stakeholders. In this way, it fosters an ongoing exchange between research, industry and practice. The research group and the advisory board will meet for the first time at the inaugural project workshop on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. They will discuss the project’s objectives, current developments and future prospects in a joint manner. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the ongoing transfer of knowledge and technology between the university, businesses and the public.

Time: Tuesday, 12 May 2026, 10.00–12.00
Location: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Bauhausstraße 11, Seminar Room L, 99423 Weimar

Small and medium-sized craft businesses are facing growing challenges. Refurbishment and renovation work on existing buildings is becoming increasingly complex, time pressures are mounting and the shortage of skilled workers is worsening. Digital tools and robotic systems promise to ease the burden. But how can these new technologies be deployed in such a way that they actually help tradespeople in their day-to-day work? An interdisciplinary research team at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is investigating this question as part of the ‘Crafts of the Future’ project. The researchers will receive approximately one million in funding from the European Social Fund for this project between 2026 and 2028.