Advance the future of construction by integrating design intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital manufacturing to create a built environment that is more resilient, sustainable, and accessible to all—linking research, implementation, and workforce development across UT, ORNL, and industry.
Mission
- Equip UTK with critical, construction‑scale technologies—notably the Concrete Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing Platform (CHAMP)—to bridge capability gaps and enable novel research and design.
- Establish a shared, construction‑scale facility for convergent research that removes limits for off‑site manufacturing and prefabrication.
- Create a Digital Construction Innovation Playground for on‑site demonstrations of real‑world applications and construction scenarios.
- Produce a future‑ready workforce through skilling/re‑skilling and integration with curricula and outreach programs.
FCi activates convergent teams across Engineering, Architecture & Design, Arts & Sciences, Social Work, and Agriculture, in partnership with ORNL and industry, to translate AM and robotics into real jobsite impact.
Capabilities
- CHAMP — Concrete Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing Platform: Large‑scale concrete 3D printing with multi‑axis robotics, tool‑changing, calibration, interlocks, and safety systems; platform for sensor embedding and hybrid processes.
- UTK Design–Fabrication Ecosystem:
- Tickle High Bay (FCi home base) with robotic arms and concrete 3D printers for full‑scale prototyping.
- UTK FabLab: 20,000+ sq ft rapid‑prototyping area; metal/plastic shops; 10‑ft waterjet; CNC; 9‑axis robot cell with polymer extruder and composite filament winder.
- TN‑MADE: Industry engagement arm of IAMM; space for co‑location with partners, higher‑TRL deployments, and hands‑on training (e.g., ACE).
- Structures & Materials Labs: Testing/validation for cementitious systems and structural components.
- Industry & Institutional Network: ORNL (MDF/BTRIC), UT‑ORII, IAMM, CMP, IACMI; partners spanning housing, polymers, composites, and robotics.