Studio I_Anatomy of a Machine: Shape

INTRO As part of the “Anatomy of a Machine – Shape” course, we engaged in an exercise that explores the possibilities of robotic material manipulation through various tools and techniques. Our objective was to research and experiment with sustainable, accessible, and locally available materials, applying scientific and creative principles to produce unique prototypes. This process … Read more

PERSONA PARABOLOID

How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position

adopy

What if a structure could adapt its shape in response to environmental inputs? inputs    : light value . water value outputs : movement of the canopy/roof adopy [noun]:  an adaptive architectural structure that dynamically responds to environmental conditions using sensor-driven inputs. The canopy system uses light and water sensors to adjust its shape for … Read more

BIRDSHIELD

A study held this year by the American Bird Conservancy showed that building collisions kill more than a billion birds a year only in the US. Therefore, to prevent this BirdShield serves as a responsive facade that opens and closes with servo motors based on the ultrasonic distance to flying birds. References Schematic Made with … Read more

Smart Envelope

Concept The Smart Home and Facade Automation System aims to enhance home comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency by enabling remote control of both interior and facade lighting, as well as facade panel movements using Arduino hardware and software. This project focuses on developing a system where users can remotely switch interior and exterior lights on … Read more

Re-Routing Bikeways

In Switzerland, biking to work is highly encouraged and widely practiced. This is facilitated by the country’s extensive network of bike lanes, bike-friendly infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability However, in terms of safety, Switzerland saw 5,287 cyclist fatalities in 2022, up from 3,793 in 2020. Over the past five years, cycling injuries have increased by … Read more

Kinect Surfaces (Light and Sound)

State of the Art In recent decades, kinetic facades have surfaced as innovative architectural elements, offering alternative building envelopes tailored to address escalating and intricate demands related to user comfort, energy consumption, and cost efficiency. Various articulations of this concept have been advanced, encompassing approaches that span from the integration of inventive components to the … Read more

IMPACT ROULLETE

The objective of this project is to expand the capabilities of specific robotic processes in additive manufacturing, known as impact printing, Impact Printing, a novel additive manufacturing  Robotic technique that consolidates pliable soft particles through a robotic shooting process. The cohesion among these soft particles arises from the conversion of kinetic energy, acquired during acceleration, … Read more

Code Cargo

Physical Prototype of Code-Cargo

Brief Intending to improve productivity, our focus fell upon the constraints of robot arms. The bounding area of limitation is a reoccurring issue when working with machines, as the area of reach is defined by the physical limitations of the physical components. In this blog, we investigate a solution to increase the range reach for … Read more

Airbrush End-Effector

The primary goal of this project is to design and fabricate a custom end-effector that can be attached to an ABB robot. The system that our group decided to explore involves the idea of utilizing an airbrush and robotically controlling it. This system will utilize a Raspberry Pi Pico for control and Grasshopper for generating … Read more

Optimum Illumination System

In the hustle and bustle of urban life, outdoor lighting has become an indispensable part of our daily landscape. However, the unintended consequences of excessive lighting, particularly at night, have taken a toll on the natural world. Migratory birds, nocturnal animals, and delicate insects such as fireflies have been adversely affected by the pervasive issue … Read more

Desktop FAN-Tasy

“A futuristic, yet, simple approach to cooling down…” Concept While working in the office in the terrible heat of the summer, the air conditioner was rapidly cooling the small room and we had to constantly turn it on and off. For this reason, I bought a desktop fan, but to turn it on, I had … Read more

DyeMate ProVision

Dye vending machine working with an ultrasonic drive system. Concept The project involves a container equipped with a keypad, allowing it to provide a specific weight of the material inside based on user input. The primary objective was to aid a friend in her natural dyeing process, eliminating the need for manual weighing of each … Read more