疊磚機器人（Hadrian X）用兩天蓋一棟房子

"This Brick-Laying Robot Can Construct an Entire House in Just 2 Days"
原文出處：archidaily
圖片出處：inhabitat

拜新機器人Hadrain X 所賜，用 CAD/CAM 的技術自動化蓋完一棟磚造的房子，現在只需要兩天的時間！這個由澳洲公司 Fastbrick Robotics 所開發的系統，是一個車載式的巨大手臂，每小時可以組立 1000 個單元磚。這個發明緣起於 30m 長的伸縮吊桿（telescopic boom），讓整個作業流程可以在固定的單點上作動、完成。

copyright © perthNOW

施工者需要做的就是提供一份 CAD 檔案，剩下的工作就交給 Hadrian X，系統會自動裝載、切割、佈線、放置，整個流程一次搞定。磚頭是經由傳送帶送達機器手臂，其中一面會塗抹上專用的接著劑；手臂程序啟動後，一塊一塊的磚就被放置並黏合（不需要使用砂漿）。

copyright © inhabitat

這個系統具備預留空間給線路和管道的能力，並且可以使用多種尺寸的磚頭。由於具備極高度的精確性，人員參與操作的依賴度大幅降低，而這系統設計的初衷就是希望操作能夠簡單到，只要上傳圖檔並點擊發送就完成。

copyright © youtube

ROBOCHOP／透過智慧型手機進入機械手臂的操作世界

原文出處：Dezeen
ROBOCHOP／透過智慧型手機進入機械手臂的操作世界

Kram/Weisshaar 是一家服務廣泛的設計公司，由德國籍的 Clemens Weisshaar（DE／1977） 以及瑞典籍的 Reed Kram（SE／1971）的兩位設計師，分別在德國慕尼黑 Munich 以及瑞典斯德哥爾摩 Stockholm 設置聯合辦公室。

ROBOCHOP is an interactive robotic installation 

for CODE_n designed by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram

ROBOCHOP 是 Kram/Weisshaar 設計團隊的一個專案作品，是一套特別設置、撰寫的軟硬體介面，讓參與者以行動裝置（手機、平版）透過撰寫的網頁介面CHOP，進行模型切消的建構。

CHOP via Robochop
編輯機械手臂模型的介面

KUKA 機械手臂以熱切割進行材料造型的處理

EVA 低成本（$3000 - $4500）、低使用門檻的機械手臂

原文出處：Automata Technologies
圖片來源：facebook / getAutomata
影片來源：Vimeo

關於Automata
Automata Technologies 這家在英國倫敦的設計公司，成立於 2015 年一月，由 Mostafa ElSayed & Suryansh Chandra 兩位所共同設立。他們皆具有超過七年的互動設計與數位製造背景，在這樣的時空背景下開發出這一台低成本（affordable ）約 $3000 - $4500美金（約九萬到十三萬五千元新台幣），與低操作門檻（accessible）的機械手臂。

由於對機械手臂的未來有著美好的憧憬，於是他們著手開發簡單好用、安全性高、造價便宜的機械裝置。而這台名為 EVA 的機械手臂，就是他們首先呈現，一台廣泛可以用於商業、興趣愛好以及教育上的產品。

About Automata
Automata Technologies was founded in January 2015 by Mostafa ElSayed & Suryansh Chandra. They have both been working at the intersection of design, technology and digital manufacturing for over 7 years and understand the challenges and opportunities this space presents.

We want to democratize robotics for the SME & consumer markets by providing affordable and easy to use robots and software. We believe robotic automation can bring a huge amount of creativity in addition to enhancing productivity to small businesses and individual users. Over the coming years, these will change the way we live and work. But first, these robots need to become a whole lot easier to use, safer to work beside, and substantially more affordable. Eva is our first product in our commitment to meet those goals, by being a low-cost, easy to use and lightweight robotic arm. We like to think of Eva as an assistant that can give you a helping hand in a variety of uses whether you're a business, hobbyist, or an educator.

波蘭 3d 印表機廠牌製作一款機器手臂，向手臂大廠 KUKA 致意

原文出處：3dPrint.com
3D Printed Zortrax Dancing Robots Tip Their Hats to KUKA*
波蘭 3d 印表機廠牌製作一款機器手臂，向手臂大廠 KUKA 致意

下面影片中看到兩隻同步共舞的機器手臂，是由 Zortrax 公司所呈現的旗艦產品，他們自家研發生產的 3d 列印機器手臂。這款令人印象深刻的產品，為了迎合設計師和工程師，他們費心在展現這個產品的能耐，這支工業風格強烈的手臂是否讓人想起德國知名的機械手臂巨擘 KUKA 公司呢？

Video from Youtube

這產品的亮點除了以自家 Zortrax M200 印表機製作，以及使用了自家高耐久性的 Z-ULTRAT 塑料之外，這個跳舞的三軸機器手臂是由十八的不同的部分組成而成。

KUKA Robot VS Timo Boll

機械手臂大廠 KUKA 與德國乒乓球手 Timo Boll 的對決！

1997年五月，IBM的深藍電腦（Deep Blue）終於在相隔一年後的二度對決中，瓦解了與西洋棋王（卡斯巴羅夫 Garry Kasparov）的棋路

2014年三月，機器手臂大廠德國的KUKA公司
最近為了新推出的機型做了宣傳
讓這台號稱有目前業界最高精度與最快速度的KUKA Agilus
在中國與德國的乒乓球手 Timo Boll 舉辦一場乒乓球人機對決
看一下這部預告片，就能知道這比賽為何未演先轟動

SCI-Arc 學生發展出一套具有"undo"功能，生成自由形體的 3d printing 技術

原文出處：http://www.dezeen.com/
SCI-Arc 學生發展出一套具有"undo"功能，生成自由形體的 3d printing 技術
SCI-Arc student develops freeform 3d printing with undo function

 

［寫在前頭］
關於Undo的說明，一直到看到影片最下面最下面的文字說明才知道意思＂UNDO（resin removal via suction or scooping）＂這技術是透過吸或舀的方式。

南加州建築學院的碩士生發展出一套方法，他們用一整缸的凝膠，運用機器手臂搭配3D Printing的方式，可以創作出不需要任何支撐材的自由形體，同時也允許做出"undo"的功能。

凝膠讓機器手臂擠出的液態樹酯固定並變硬，克服了其他3D Printing技術的缺點；避免了列印物件必須堆疊在自體上的限制。

Brian Harms 發明了一種特殊的列印工具

這樣的方式將允許基於向量資料的列印，意味著列印的噴頭可以三向度的移動，而不再需要依附在既有的二維堆疊架構物之上。

列印工具拆解圖

Brian Harms 發展出一套名為＂懸浮定位（Suspended Depositions）＂的處理方式，完成於他就讀 SCI-Arc 的 ESTm （Emerging Systems and Technologies）課程之中。透過注入與懸浮光固化樹酯（light-curing resin）於凝膠介質之中，不需要模具的、不用透過減法製造過程，一種新的自由成形方式。Harms 如此解釋這個方法。

機器手臂與 Harms 發展出的嵌入式工具

光固化樹酯，透過 Harms 與其團隊研發出的特殊噴嘴（固定在機器手臂上），擠出後經過光照而硬化。當作品從凝膠中取出後，這些凝膠可以重複再使用。

機器手臂將光固化樹酯擠入一個充滿凝膠的容器裡

Harms 作品技術上的突破，延續了其他＂自由形體＂或是稱為＂非支撐3D Printing＂的技術。例如稍早五月，來自 Barcelona IAAC（Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia）的 Petr Novikov 和 Saša Jokić 所發表的不用支撐材料的自由曲形，以及二月時可在空間中自由塗鴉的3D列印筆；該案在創投網站 Kickstarter 曝光的第一天就得到接近於五十萬美金（一千五百萬台幣）的募款。

打樣測試

Here's some text from Harms:

Suspended Depositions

This project aims to blur the line between processes of design and fabrication in the context of rapid prototyping by increasing the fluidity of the fabrication process through coordinated material and robotic processes. The project exploits feedback loops that allow the process to be used as a live generative form-finding tool as well as a method for reification of designed objects.

By injecting and suspending light-curing resin in a gelatinous medium, one is afforded the ability to shape freeform objects without the need for molds or other subtractive manufacturing processes that would otherwise be necessary. The gel acts as an omnidirectional support material which is reusable, so there is no wasted material.

One major distinction between this project and other rapid prototyping processes is the ability to utilize 3D vector-based toolpaths. Virtually all other processes use paths generated via contouring a digital model, and rely on the hardening of each successive layer before being able to move on to the next.

The suspension of resin in space without added support material allows for the ability to navigate and fabricate directly on and around other existing objects within the Gel, as well as the ability to observe the process from any angle. The suspension of time in this process allows for tool changes, manual injections, on-the-fly robotic injections, multi-material injections, live modification of the digital or physical model, and the ability to physically "undo" (resin removal via suction or scooping).

Special thanks to Peter Testa, Brandon Kruysman, Jonathan Proto, Devyn Weiser, and Kyle and Liz Von Hassln.

SCI-Arc Fall 2012
Testa Vertical ESTm Studio
Instructor: Peter Testa / Brandon Kruysman / Jonathan Proto
AT: Peter Vikar
Project Lead: Brian Harms (nstrmnt.com)
Project Team: Haejun Jung / Vince Huang / Yuying Chen

Mataerial / 3D Printing 不用支撐材料的自由曲形

原文出處：dezeen

Mataerial ／3D Printing 不用支撐材料的自由曲形 
Mataerial by Petr Novikov, Saša Jokić, Joris Laarman Studio and IAAC

*本影片以三倍的速度撥放
The movie's frame rate was increased up to three times to show the process more quickly.

機器又推出了可調整顏色的新功能!!!

由機械手臂為主體的3D Printer，利用塑膠擠出後立即冷卻變硬的技術
得以在空中繪製出任何自由的表面與形體
Plastic extruded from this robotic 3D printer solidifies instantly,
allowing it to draw freeform shapes in the air extending from any surface.

不同於一般的 3D Printer 需要一個水平的平台作為基礎，Mataerial 列印
的塑料可以是從水平、垂直、平滑的、非規矩的表面，並且不需要支撐材
Unlike normal 3D printers that require a flat and horizontal base, Mataerial 
prints with plastic that sticks to horizontal, vertical, smooth or irregular 
surfaces, without the need for additional support structures.

西班牙巴塞隆納 IaaC（Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia）
的研究生 Petr Novikov 和 Saša Jokić，他們與荷蘭的設計師 Joris Laarman
共同發展出這個機器與系統
Petr Novikov and Saša Jokić from Barcelona's IaaC worked with the 
studio of Dutch designer Joris Laarman to develop the machine and system.

這個被原設計者稱之為＂反重力建模＂的系統，是一種由立即固化的擠出技術
來產出三維的實桿，而非一般 3D Printer 緩慢由下往上建構的二維切層堆疊
The process, which the designers call "anti-gravity object modelling", is a form of 
extrusion that instantly creates chunky three-dimensional rods, rather than slowly building up two-dimensional layers like a standard 3D printer.

這項＂反重力建模＂系統中一個關鍵的新技術，是採用熱固性聚合物，而非
廣泛使用於市面上 3D Printer 的熱塑性塑料。設計師補充解釋
"One of the key innovations of anti-gravity object modelling is the use of 
thermosetting polymers instead of thermoplastics that are used in 
existing 3D printers," explained the designers.

熱固性聚合物在擠出噴頭之後，兩個熱風槍作用下產生了材料固化的化學反應
使曲線的列印與懸空不再是不可能
A chemical reaction between the two components of the thermosetting polymer 
causes the material to solidify as it comes out of the nozzle, making it possible 
to print hanging curves.

材料擠出的速度取決於設定，通常是屬意的材料厚度；但是在這個例子中，
機器大約每三分鐘擠出一公尺的長度。
The speed of extrusion is dependent on factors such as the desired thickness 
of the material, but in this example the printer produced one meter in 
approximately three minutes. 

我們最近注意到一個類似的點子，但相對是一個小上許多的尺度－3D doodles。
We recently featured a similar idea on a much smaller scale – a pen that can "print" 3D doodles in mid-air. See all 3D printing on Dezeen or check out Print Shift, our one-off magazine about additivie manufacturing.

去年的這個時候，Novikov 還只是IAAC的學生，他和他的團隊建構了一組
以沙子為材料的 3D Printer。示意圖為以 Mataerial 技術所建構的展覽館
Last year Novikov was part of a team of students from the IAAC who built
 a robotic 3D printer that creates architectural structures from sand or soil.
Proposal for an outdoor pavilion printed by Mataerial

更多關於這個案子的資訊：
Mataerial is the result of the collaborative research between Petr Novikov, Saša Jokić from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Joris Laarman Studio. IAAC tutors representing Open Thesis Fabrication Program provided their advice and professional expertise. During the course of the research we developed a brand new digital fabrication method and a working prototype that can open a door to a number of practical applications. The method that we call Anti-gravity Object Modeling has a patent-pending status.

Mataerial – a brand new method of additive manufacturing. This method allows for creating 3D objects on any given working surface independently of its inclination and smoothness, and without a need of additional support structures. Conventional methods of additive manufacturing have been affected both by gravity and printing environment: creation of 3D objects on irregular or non-horizontal surfaces has so far been treated as impossible. By using innovative extrusion technology we are now able to neutralise the effect of gravity during the course of the printing process. This method gives us a flexibility to create truly natural objects by making 3D curves instead of 2D layers. Unlike 2D layers that are ignorant to the structure of the object, the 3D curves can follow exact stress lines of a custom shape. Finally, our new out of the box printing method can help manufacture structures of almost any size and shape.

One of the key innovations of anti-gravity object modelling is the use of thermosetting polymers instead of thermoplastics that are used in existing 3D printers. The material is cured because of a chemical reaction between two source components with such proportion of extrusion and movement speeds that it comes solid out of the nozzle; this feature makes it possible to print hanging curves without support material.

The desired shape is created by user in CAD software and then transformed into 3d curves describing the shape which are then converted into movement paths for the robotic arm. The thickness of the printed curve can be scaled down to less than a millimeter and can be adjusted during the printing process, by changing the speed of the movement. Colors can be injected in the nozzle in CMYK mode that allows changing of the curve color throughout the printing process.

In our vision, Mataerial can be applied in different fields, from furniture and architecture manufacturing to desktop and space 3d printing.




polymer
*['pɒlimә]
n. 聚合物, 聚合體
【化】 多聚體; 高分子; 大分子; 聚合物
【醫】 聚合物, 聚合體

GE咖啡拉花機

原文出處：http://chinese.engadget.com/2013/03/11/barista-bot/
GE咖啡拉花機器手臂
GE's Barista Bots are exactly what SXSW needs: coffee-printing robotic arms

GE的機器人手臂可以在咖啡奶泡上拉花

有甚麼比咖啡攤上的拉花機器手臂～更吸引這群鮮少睡覺的SXSW出席者呢？
GE集團設計的Barista Bots是一款運用3d printer技術去改良而生成的機器手臂，透過X、Y、Z軸的移動，再搭配上注射器，這隻手臂就能進行列印。咖啡店內的店員，主要的工作是將你提供的圖案，轉入電腦內，再將這個影像轉化為路徑，最後透過機器手臂的噴頭，列印在您的咖啡泡沫上。

顯然的，最後的結果並不完美，畢竟泡沫不像畫布那樣容易操弄，同時泡泡狀態也不斷的在改變。SXSW在Austin的會場有許多風的因素，因此採訪當天有許多困難的圖案是無法被成功列印的。於是這邊決定改用＂e＂作為列印的圖樣，以下是列印的影片。

再一次的，結果還是不完美。（不過這本來就是一種宣示的行動，總有一天快速動作的機器手臂會取代星巴克的員工！）至於這咖啡好不好喝呢？DELICIOUS!