Christopher Watson is a Ph.D. candidate and researcher in both the Barton lab and DART lab of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Robotics Department and Architecture Department respectively. My research focuses on advancing robotic 3D concrete printing through real-time sensing, geometric and process monitoring, and closed-loop control, with the goal of enabling high-precision, materially efficient, and scalable fabrication of concrete building components.

My work integrates robotic extrusion systems with multi-modal perception and sensor driven control to detect process anomalies deviations during fabrication and to support adaptive, data-driven control strategies. Through this approach, I aim to bridge the gap between computational design intent and the physical realities of construction-scale additive manufacturing, contributing toward more reliable and sustainable digital construction workflows.

I hold degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence applications. My current research has currently focused on bridging these fields to create robust controls for additive applications.. My broader interests lie at the intersection of digital fabrication, robotics, computer vision, and intelligent construction technologies.

What do I do when I am not in the lab…

I love sleeping. It’s basically the greatest pass time in the world.