Human-Material Dialogues Through the Use of Robotics

This research investigates and discusses an embodied craft learning situation in an educational context that aims to support students within architecture by applying human–material dialogues when using robotics. The project was initiated at a workshop about traditional ceramic craft techniques at the master program Architectural Technology at the Royal Danish Academy. 

Initially, the students were introduced to traditional craftsmanship based on materials and tools in ceramics. Based on the gained experiential knowledge, the same tools and materials were applied and explored on a UR 5 robot. A sensor provided the students with the opportunity to interact with the mate-rial through the robot while it was operating. 

The learning situation showed the potential to teach the students about robotics based on human–material dialogues and embodiment through making. The sensor enabled the students to use their experiential knowledge to improvise and work intuitively and spontaneously while they were exploring patterning based on the tools attached to the robot and the responsive material.

The robotic setup consisted of a UR 5 robot, a sensor, and the graphical user interface, clay and traditional tools for making imprints in clay at introductory course about traditional ceramic craft techniques at the master program Architectural Technology. The sensor is connected to the graphical user interface and enables the user to affect the robot's action.

The physical results of the experiments are characterized by patterns that express a dynamic balance between the accuracy of the robot and the imprints by the tool, which nearly dynamically dissolve the path because of the tool’s shape and the responsive and lively material.