Robotic Clay 3D Printing
Research at the intersection of material science, robotics and product design
![Robotic Clay 3D Printing](https://d3bpgcke55gfwt.cloudfront.net/rails/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBMldlQVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--5ddfa840c6119d95a4c49124a627eb401728c92b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdDRG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFKWUFta0NMQUU2Q25OaGRtVnlld2s2RTNOMVluTmhiWEJzWlY5dGIyUmxTU0lIYjI0R093WlVPZ3B6ZEhKcGNGUTZEbWx1ZEdWeWJHRmpaVlE2REhGMVlXeHBkSGxwVUE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--42754237235ba1e6f9325deaf83c5a2657141cd3/Clay-3D-Printing-_13_1280.jpg)
This research projects addresses the use of robotic production techniques and their applications in the creative sector. In partnership with the local designer Thomas Duggan, this material study utilises high-performance clay to determine new design spaces for clay 3D printing, pottery and product design development utilising robotic control.
By utilising the KUKA/prc software from the Association of Robots in Architecture, this project has developed a series of artifacts which demonstrate different properties of clay 3D printing (e.g. layer height, printing speed, material fluidity) and a series of external engagement activities, including a recent exhibition (November 2019) at the Tate Museum of Modern Art in St Ives, Cornwall.
The South West Creative Technology Network (SWCTN) is a £6.5 million project to expand the use of creative technologies across the south west of England. The network is offering three one-year funded programmes around the themes of Immersion, Automation and Data.
The project will develop a new, networked model of Knowledge Exchange for creative technologies innovation. It will do this by harnessing the expertise in creative technology research across the SW region to deliver a series of interdisciplinary R&D programmes that grow the capabilities and connections between the participating HEI and industry partners.
The collaboration will invest in interdisciplinary R&D fellowships and prototype production across three challenge areas: Immersion, Automation and Data. Our focus on creative technology brings together arts, design, computer sciences, engineering and business development to deliver new products and services.