CREATIVE ROBOTICS: FROM CONCEPT TO FABRICATION

 < ROBOT-ASSISTED PROJECT WORK - ARTISTIC PRACTICE AND ART PRODUCTION >

In the context of art, design, and architecture, robotics opens up new possibilities for the physical realization of creative ideas. Industrial robots, originally developed for standardized production processes, are increasingly becoming tools for creative research and experimental practice. They enable the translation of digital designs into material forms with a precision, repeatability, and spatial complexity that goes beyond or complements human craftsmanship. In creative applications, robotics thus becomes a medium that dissolves boundaries between design and execution, between digital code and physical object, and gives rise to new forms of expression between humans, machines, and materials.

The seminar “CREATIVE ROBOTICS: FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCTION” aims to offer students at the University of Applied Arts Vienna the opportunity to implement practical projects using this technology.

Topic/Contents:

1. THEORY: Introduction to robotics “Artistic practice and art production”
2. THEORY/PRACTICE: Operation + safety training for robot cell
3. PRACTICE: Implementation of individual student projects for the ZKF.

Teaching/learning objectives:

The seminar aims to enable students to:

• Recognize, tap into, and apply the creative potential of industrial robotics in artistic practice.
• Communicate and bring to life digital design and manufacturing processes (from concept to physical implementation).
• Promote parametric and process-oriented thinking in order to understand designs as changeable, rule- and data-based models.
• Demonstrate a reflective approach to technology in art and design (potential, risks, and dangers). 

At the beginning of the semester, there will be two THEORY/PRACTICE sessions.

In the first meeting (MANDATORY for all students registered in the Base), information about the semester schedule will be provided, and students must bring their project concept/design in written or graphic form and present it on site. This presentation will determine whether the respective student project meets the project suitability requirements (see notes: “PREREQUISITE #2”) and can be supported and implemented as part of the project work “CREATIVE ROBOTICS: FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCTION.”

In the second meeting (MANDATORY for all accepted/confirmed students), we will begin with THEORY/PRACTICE.

The rest of the semester will be planned in individual meetings with a predefined schedule and work packages for individual work, as well as 1:1 work meetings at the robot.

In order to ensure the desired progress, a minimum attendance of 80% for the individually agreed appointments is required (immanent examination character), whereby curiosity, interest, and an independent way of working are essential. 

PREREQUISITE #1 for applying for this seminar is successful completion of the seminar “APPLIED CREATIVE ROBOTICS 1” a digital working method, and basic knowledge of CAD (Grasshopper)!

PREREQUISITE #2 for applying to this seminar is project suitability, i.e., a design or project that is particularly suitable for robotic implementation. This includes, for example, geometrically challenging shapes, experimental-conceptual approaches, ideally related to the CNC context and preferably to spatial 5-axis machining, in order to make targeted use of the potential of the 7-axis robot setup.

In order to make the best possible use of the resources for the ARL courses, as well as to give as many students as possible the opportunity to gain an insight into creative robotics, the final decision on active participation for students registered in the BASE will be decided and defined at the beginning of the first unit (1030), based on concept/content, the ranking in the registration and personal physical attendance.

In order to best respond to the individual needs of the students and their projects, the number of participants is limited to a maximum of 5 students.

Project days allways on monday 1000-1200 am or blocked according to personal agreement/definition. Dates to be published!