01/08/2026
What role can bio-based materials play in the future of robotic construction?
At FAB26 Boston, our bio-based material NUATAN®️ was presented as part of MIT Center for Bits and Atoms’ research into voxel assembly systems.
Developed by Crafting Plastics as a family of advanced PHA-based materials, NUATAN®️ offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics while combining high toughness, flexibility, heat resistance and long-term durability. Unlike many bioplastics, it remains industrially compostable at the end of its life.
For the Bhutan Tiny House prototype - including the arch and bench - NUATAN®️ was used to manufacture selected components of the voxel modules through digital fabrication. Lightweight yet robust, these parts demonstrate how high-performance bio-based materials can support precise, modular construction while reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics.
As robotic fabrication and modular construction continue to evolve, material innovation becomes an equally important part of the conversation. Projects like this highlight the potential of bio-based materials in enabling more circular, adaptable and lower-carbon approaches to architecture.
The research is led by Miana Smith Miana Smith, with contributions from Vlasta Kubusova and the Crafting Plastics team, alongside Amira Abdel-Rahman, Alessio Zazo, Alexander Htet Kyaw Alexander Htet Kyaw, Paul Richard, Marcello Tania .tania, Jack Forman Jack Anderson Forman, Sophia Wang Sophia Wang, Jiaming Liu, Tshering Wangzom དབང་འཇོམས། Wangzom, Chirag Sharma, Yeshey Wangmo Lepcha, Subham Chhetri, Tenzin Kuenkhyab and Neil Gershenfeld.
Further support was provided by Anthony Pennes, Dan Gilbert, Eyal Perry Eyal Perry, Sergio Mutis, the Autodesk Technology Center team, Toyota, the DHI team and the entire CBA team MIT CBA.
Animations by Alessio Zazo and Amira Abdel-Rahman.