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| Protopia | |
Protopia focuses on augmenting the importance of Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines in fabrication, assembly and prototyping. The project aims to develop a new prototyping process that enables additive prototyping (rather than subtractive as in most current systems) and functions at any scale. Protopia explores the potential of combining robot arms and three-dimensional weaving technology to create a new, high accuracy prototyping machine that can be used for on-site fabrication and prototyping. This machine could be used in many industries such as aero-space, architecture, and automotive. It would also be suitable for environments that are difficult for humans to inhabit like remote mountain or desert regions, deep sea or outer space! |
The project combines two technologies: robot arms and three-dimensional weaving. Industrial robot arms nowadays are not only used for repetitive assembly line tasks, by also for composite lay-up like in the aircraft industry or for bodies and sails of high-end sailing boats. Nonetheless, these automated robot arm systems are mostly stationary and depend on molds to form the shapes of the final product. Three-dimensional weaving overcomes a need for molds. Pioneering civil engineers have adapted three-dimensional weaving machines to produce woven I-beams in variable sizes and straight or curved. However, this technique is stationary. Protopia investigates the potential for on-site construction machines that would cut down on overhead in management, coordination, fabrication and transportation. |
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