USJ Robotic Lab Inaugurated | Cutting-Edge Technology for Architecture, Research, and Impact
USJ Robotic Lab Inaugurated | Cutting-Edge Technology for Architecture, Research, and Impact
30
Mar
30/03/2026
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) inaugurated the USJ Robotic Lab on 25 March 2026 at the Kent Wong Exhibition Gallery, Ilha Verde Campus, marking a key milestone for the Department of Architecture and Design of the Faculty and Arts and Humanities.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) inaugurated the USJ Robotic Lab on 25 March 2026 at the Kent Wong Exhibition Gallery, Ilha Verde Campus, marking a key milestone for the Department of Architecture and Design of the Faculty and Arts and Humanities. The event also opened an exhibition presenting years of applied research at the intersection of design, technology, and community engagement.
The lab is the result of an eight-year strategic vision to build a comprehensive ecosystem combining institutional support, a dedicated team, advanced facilities, and a focus on real-world challenges to train locally rooted, globally relevant professionals. As part of the ARCH Centre for Applied Research in Architecture, Design and Art, it is a major investment in applied research, equipped with two KUKA robots, accessories to operate with different materials and a parametric storage system all valued at MOP 1.5 million.
Since 2020, USJ has been a member of the Association for Robots in Architecture (Rob|Arch), connecting it to a global network of around 100 universities and research institutions and strengthening collaboration through advanced tools such as KUKA|prc for robotic control.
The inauguration event highlighted the lab’s role in bridging the gap between academia and practice. Its projects demonstrate a unique convergence of avant-garde technology with traditional techniques and local materials. Researchers are developing new tools to work with materials sourced from diverse communities – including bamboo, wood, foam for concrete formwork, and bricks – originating from places such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Portugal, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
The accompanying exhibition offers visitors a dynamic look at the department’s applied research, which combines computational methods, material experimentation, and fieldwork. Projects on display include studies on Macao’s urban evolution and vernacular architecture, AI-driven research like Soundscape.AI, and construction innovations using bamboo structures and generative digital methods. Professional collaborations, such as the Infolab and the Southern Inner Harbour Master Plan, exemplify successful academy-industry-government partnerships.
During the inauguration, Prof. Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Department to key supporters, including the DSEDJ, FDCT, IAM, Cultural Affairs Bureau, and the Macau Foundation, as well as the University’s leadership. He also gave special recognition to Prof. Filipe Afonso, Director of the Robotic Lab, for his “remarkable capacity to bring complex ideas into gracious concretisations always involving the students”.
“This event is a call for collaboration to achieve meaningful innovation,” Prof. Nuno Soares concluded his speech stating “From today onwards, this becomes a new platform for collaboration. Together, we will be able to research, test, and build sustainable solutions in design and architecture – with our students, our partners, the industry, the public administration, and the wider community.”
The USJ Robotic Lab and the exhibition on applied research in architecture and design are now open to the public until 11 April, marking a new era for design innovation in Macao.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by a distinguished group of guests including Mr. Iong Nin Fai, Head of the Technology Department at the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT); Ms Tam Sio Wa, Head of the Division of Tertiary Educational Cooperation and Exchange at the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEDJ); Mr. Cheang Kun Wai, Member of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT); Mr. Ao Peng Kong, President of the Board of Directors of the Civil Engineering Laboratory of Macau (LECM); Mr. Luís Madeira de Carvalho, Deputy Director of the Public Works Bureau (DSOP); Mr. Sou Kin Meng, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage at the Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM); Mr. Benny Chan, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design; Mr. Ma Chi Fai, Director of the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers; Mr. Wong Hio Leong, Chairman of the Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association (APMCCM); alongside USJ members including Dr. Teresa Loong, Vice-Rector for Student Life; Prof. Alexandre Lobo, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation; Prof. Carlos Sena Caires, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Prof. Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design; and Prof. Filipe Afonso, Robotic Lab Director and Programme Supervisor for Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
Attendees also included Ms. Libby Lei, Executive Director of the Macau Poster Design Association; Mr. Ng Ka Man, Deputy Chairman of the Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association (APMCCM); Mr. Chu Hok Hei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association (APMCCM); Ms. Zoey Zheng, Oil Painting Artist and UN Volunteer with the Communications Team at the United Nations University Institute; Ms. Mani Fok, Supervisory Committee Chairperson of the Macao Low Carbon Development Association; Ms. Ronnie Chou, Chairman of the Macau Overseas Design Student Association (MODSA); and various faculty members and students of the University of Saint Joseph.
