Reincarnate is pleased to share the publication of the paper “Robotic Disassembly and Window Upgrading,” issued in the Proceedings of the 35th Forum Bauinformatik held in Hamburg, Germany, 2024. The Forum Bauinformatik is an annual event bringing together experts in digital construction and building informatics to present advances in automation, simulation, and sustainable design.
The paper, authored by Begum Aktas and Mahdi E. Charkhab from our consortium lead Technische Universität Berlin, investigates how robotic systems can support sustainable refurbishment by enabling selective disassembly and upgrading of building components, particularly windows. Integrating robotics into renovation and repair processes represents a practical step toward resource efficiency and circular construction, directly supporting Reincarnate’s goal of extending building lifecycles through digital methods.
The study proposes a robotic workflow in two stages developed and tested within the European Right to Repair context.
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Stage 1 – Virtual Simulation: modelling and sequencing the disassembly process in RoboDK software to identify optimal gripping points and tool paths.
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Stage 2 – Robotic Arm Demonstration: implementing the simulated process with a robotic arm to verify precision and feasibility under real conditions.
Results show that robotic systems can accurately separate aluminium profiles and glazing elements, demonstrating the potential of automation to make disassembly safer, faster, and more resource-efficient. By introducing robotics into the deconstruction phase, this research advances the shift toward circular renovation – reducing waste, conserving materials, and extending the life of existing buildings through technology-driven methods.
Read the full paper