Next-Gen Construction
SMF4INFRA seeks to transform the execution of complex infrastructure projects. Such projects necessitate a shift towards more dynamic and technologically integrated manufacturing processes, diverging from traditional methods prevalent in the supply chain. The enhancement of cost control, time efficiency, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions stand at the forefront of this transition. The primary aim of the ongoing research is to ideate and construct both a physical and a digital model of a Smart Mobile Factory (SMF). This factory model will incorporate cutting-edge logistics capable of real-time monitoring and analytics, which will facilitate advanced planning and on-the-spot production capabilities.
ABOUT PROJECT
SMARTNESS
A smart factory creates a digital twin of the physical manufacturing systems, establishing a seamless bi-directional data exchange. This interconnectedness is pivotal for enabling comprehensive advanced planning, realistic simulation, and efficient on-demand production processes.
MOBILITY
A mobile factory can be described as a distributed production facility composed of reconfigurable and mobile production systems that facilitate the adjustment of production capacity and functionality according to on-site conditions.
SUSTAINABILITY
The development of the SMF will include a comprehensive, real-time life cycle assessment to ensure sustainability is woven into its core. This dynamic evaluation will track and optimize the environmental impact throughout the SMF's life cycle.
NEWS & EVENTS
Jianxiang Ma Presented at 2025 RILEM Spring Conference
On March 27, 2025, Jianxiang presented a paper at the RILEM Spring Conference 2025 in Mendrisio, Switzerland, discussing the environmental impact of component service life uncertainty in EuroTube infrastructure. The study found that the electromagnetic system (EMS) with a concrete tube offers the lowest emissions and variability. It emphasized that component durability is crucial for accurately assessing environmental footprints and that structural importance should be considered in sustainable design. The proposed parametric stochastic LCA framework helps identify key parameters across LCA stages, supports sustainable infrastructure development, and informs stakeholder decisions in design and operation.
2024 SMF4INFRA Annual Meeting in ETH Zurich
On September 18-19, 2024, we gathered for the annual meeting of the Smart Mobile Factory for Infrastructure Project (SMF4INFRA) at ETH-Zürich, Switzerland. The event allowed us to review the project's progress and align on the next steps. A key highlight was our visit to the DemoTube infrastructure at the EuroTube Foundation in Dübendorf, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in transportation technology. We are excited to see how this project, combining distributed manufacturing systems, digital twin technology, and life cycle analysis, continues to drive innovation in digital construction and infrastructure.
Irfan Čustović presented at the GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence 2024
From 10th to 12th September the GNI Symposium & Expo on Artificial Intelligence for the Built World was held at TUM in Munich, Germany. Irfan Čustović gave a presentation on behalf of the SMF4Infra project team explaining the ongoing research about “A Proposed Ontology Network for AI-based Root Cause Analysis in Precast Supply Chains”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Patrick Dallasega participated as speaker at the International Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Patrick Dallasega participated as speaker at the International Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems (APMS), Chemnitz, Germany from 08-12 September 2024.
Jianxiang Ma Presented at the Net-Zero Future 2024 Conference
PhD student Jianxiang Ma from the Chair of Sustainable Construction in Institute of Construction and Infrastructure Management, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich, attended the Net-Zero Future 2024 conference in Oslo, Norway, from June 19th to 21st. The event featured eight keynote talks and over 200 presentations.
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