A furniture design and research project conducted by the bartlett school of architecture design computer lab in collaboration with the school’s ‘Architectural Design mArch’ program.
The Mickey Matter project focused on the use of the compression molding process to develop highly profitable production methods. using CNC milling to design and manufacture custom aluminum molds on three different scales. These can be used to make inexpensive but high precision and quality parts. The material used is ABS granules, but other materials such as gypsum composites and flexible plastics have also been tested. The element is divided into two parts and connected by joints. This allows the pieces to be hollow and lightweight.
Like Lego tiles, shape the desired piece by fitting together perfectly. Instead of using, diversity is created by combining simple building blocks. These building blocks can be understood as “voxels” or volume pixels, which is a widely used digital method for scientific analysis in computer visualization. The assembly of robots moderately and exclusively faster than 3D printing and other forms of robot assembly. Reduce costs, allows the use of different materials, maintaining a high diversity of shapes. These features provide the potential for robot manufacturing to expand on the construction scale.
Using a custom vacuum gripper attached to an industrial robot arm, the robot can pick up building blocks and assemble them through a simple and fast pick and place device. Its round shape minimizes the use of high tolerances and high precision installation. Rounded surface helps items slide into place, increasing speed. You can use a vacuum suction cup to grab the items and place them in the proper position.
The team developed a calculation method based on combination technology that can effectively assemble these building blocks into diverse functional structures. The algorithm performs different tests to harmonize the pieces but also defines connection points and helps to deepen different options of structures. The building blocks combine with each other in different rotation modes to produce various patterns. These can be assessed based on the strength of the connection and the manufacturing limitations of the manipulator.
The data is sent to the robotic system for assembly. A model of a table and a chair is made in the development of the assembly, two chairs and a table were made. These small models help to formulate precise rules for the assembly of large buildings. The first chair and the first table are symmetrically offset. A limited number of shapes are used that combine to achieve a highly manageable design. The second chair explores a component with fewer restrictions, thus reducing control and asymmetrical shapes.
Building elements can be made of many materials, such as concrete, wood, plastic, etc. The system can use the robotic automation solution to assemble large parts directly at the factory, and then transport and assemble them on site.
This is a creative way to use robotic assembly, it is a creative, useful and original process in furniture design. Minimizing costs and manufacturing high quality and precision parts.