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LSBU's Digital Architectural and Robotics Lab (DARLAB) uses industrial grade robotic setup to develop advanced manufacturing solutions for research and academic purposes. The DARLAB is equipped with a multifunctional robotic platform for advanced manufacturing architectural applications; a robotic platform able to process different materials with custom equipment and tools. A combination with quick-change plates allows the robot to achieve different configuration accordingly with the task to be performed.

The DARLAB features a KUKA Robotic arm with milling end effector and a large scale FDM 3D printer.

The Digital Architectural and Robotics Lab (DARLAB) at London South Bank University offers businesses a cutting-edge space to innovate in architecture, engineering, and digital manufacturing. Led by Associate Professor Federico Rossi, DARLAB combines advanced robotic platforms, computational design, and material research to transform construction and design processes. With state-of-the-art equipment, expert consultancy, and established partnerships with industry leaders like SCM Group UK and ESA Automation, LSBU's DARLAB provides a unique opportunity for businesses to drive innovation, solve industry challenges, and stay at the forefront of robotic manufacturing and digital workflows.

Federico Rossi

Federico is an Associate Professor in Architecture and Digital Manufacturing at London South Bank University with over 15 years of experience in digital manufacturing and robotics.
After graduating from Architectural Association in London, he trained as an architect working for Dame Zaha Hadid with focus in digital manufacturing processes in construction. In 2013, he secured a fund of £400k from HEFCE for the creation of the Digital Architecture and Robotics Lab (DARLAB) with the scope to examine the changes for architectural production with robotic manufacturing.

As founding director of DARLAB, Federico has developed consultancy projects for Volkswagen, Astana Energy Expo, Ars Electronica, SCM Group, Veolia, Dyson and Southwark Council exploring research topics Design for Additive Manufacturing, Circular Manufacturing, Large Scale Reinforced Polymer Structures and Robotic Advanced Manufacturing.

The DARLAB is located on our Southwark Campus. 

All our facilities are available to industry for testing, evaluation and developmental work.  For information, please email facilitieshire@lsbu.ac.uk.