This study seeks to identify key aspects for increased integration of interactive robotics within the creative design process. Through its character as foundational research, the study aims to contribute to the advancement of new explorative design methods to support architects in their exploration of fabrication and assembly of an integrated performance-driven architecture. The article describes and investigates a proposed design framework for supporting an interactive human–robot design process. The proposed framework is examined through a 3-week architectural studio, with university master students exploring the design of a brick construction with the support of an interactive robotic platform. Evaluation of the proposed framework was done by triangulation of the authors’ qualitative user observations, quantitative logging of the students’ individual design processes, and through questionnaires completed after finishing the studies. The result suggests that interactive human–robot fabrication is a relevant mode of design with positive effect on the process of creative design exploration.

The nature of craft has often been dictated by the type and nature of the tool. The authors intend to establish a new relationship between a mechanically articulated tool and a human through the development a symbiotic relationship between them. This study attempts to develop and deploy a framework for collaborative robotic masonry involving one mason and one industrial robotic arm. This study aims to study the harmful posture and muscular stress developed during the construction work and involve a robotic arm to aid the mason to reduce the cumulative damage to one's body. Through utilization of RGBD sensors and surface electromyography procedure the study develops a framework that distributes the task between the mason and robot. The kinematics and electromyography detects the fatigue and harmful postures and activates the robot to collaborate with the mason in the process.