Towards a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure for Additive Manufacturing in Architecture (2024-09)¶

We introduce a promising proof of concept: a blockchain to additive manufacturing pilot prototype. In this paper we focus on developing the functional cyberphysical prototype of the smart contracts running on a blockchain, orchestrating the workflow of additive manufacturing in architecture. We have used design science research and rapid prototyping as methods to create our cyberphysical system. Our prototype allows for the discretisation of a design in components, which are then placed for bidding for production. The components are indexed, with a Non-Fungible Token is produced for each component, recorded on the smart contracts of our platform. The original designers are recorded and then rewarded if the component is ever re-used. A set of additive manufacturing shops then cost and bid for the production of the components, recording their bid on-chain. Component fabrication quality is then validated against the tamperproof blockchain storage system. Our pilot project establishes viability and a direct link between a blockchain network and 3D printers, facilitated by microcontrollers interfaces acting as blockchain “Oracles”. The significance of this paper lies in its potential to reshape the architectural manufacturing and fabrication landscape. By integrating blockchain with 3D printing, we address critical issues such as efficiency, in challenging locations with labour shortages or logistical constraints.