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Journals / Journal of Innovations in Civil Engineering and Technology / 2026 / Volume: 8 Issue: 1

An Integrated Design-to-Production Workflow for Cement-Based Blocks via Robotic Magnetic Manipulation of Discrete Reinforcements

Orkan Zeynel Güzelci(ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-5771-4069
Sema Alaçam(İSTANBUL TEKNİK ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-5979-3282
Salih Özdemir(ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-3755-7166
Mehmet Onur Senem(ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-6099-6645
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Results indicate that magnetically formed reinforcements improve flexural performance and enhance crack-bridging capacity compared to the unreinforced sample.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study presents a proof-of-concept design-to-production framework (D2PF) integrating a 6-axis industrial robotic arm with a custom electromagnetic end effector to organise discrete metallic elements within cement-based blocks.
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Key Findings & Data:Toolpaths are generated using parametric design environments (Rhino/Grasshopper) and executed via robotic control software (KUKA|prc), enabling controlled aggregation and repositioning through electromagnetic actuation.
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Conclusion & Impact:Results indicate that magnetically formed reinforcements improve flexural performance and enhance crack-bridging capacity compared to the unreinforced sample.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Design-to-Production · Robotic Fabrication · Electromagnetic End-Effector

Abstract

This study presents a proof-of-concept design-to-production framework (D2PF) integrating a 6-axis industrial robotic arm with a custom electromagnetic end effector to organise discrete metallic elements within cement-based blocks. The system enables non-contact, field-based manipulation of magnetically responsive elements (office pins), forming programmable reinforcement patterns guided by predefined toolpath geometries. Toolpaths are generated using parametric design environments (Rhino/Grasshopper) and executed via robotic control software (KUKA|prc), enabling controlled aggregation and repositioning through electromagnetic actuation. Key parameters include robot speed, toolpath repetitions, wire winding count, magnetic force regulation, and reinforcement geometry. To assess feasibility, three cement-based blocks (25 × 25 × 5 cm) with spiral and circular reinforcement configurations, along with an unreinforced reference block, were produced and evaluated using an adapted three-point bending procedure. Results indicate that magnetically formed reinforcements improve flexural performance and enhance crack-bridging capacity compared to the unreinforced sample. The workflow offers an accessible pathway for material-aware robotic manufacturing and non-contact reinforcement strategies in cement-based construction.

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Cite This Article

Güzelci, O. Z., Alaçam, S., Özdemir, S., Senem, M. O. (2026). An Integrated Design-to-Production Workflow for Cement-Based Blocks via Robotic Magnetic Manipulation of Discrete Reinforcements. Journal of Innovations in Civil Engineering and Technology, Volume: 8 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.60093/jiciviltech.1866567

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