Amazing Robot Hand

The following demonstration of a robot hand from the folks at Ishikawa Komuro Laboratory is simply amazing! The precision and speed of this technology is something to marvel. See for yourself.

Freeform surfaces from single curved panels

The following research is by H. Pottmann, A. Schiftner, P. Bo, H. Schmiedhofer, W. Wang, N. Baldassini, and J. Wallner. - (ACM Trans. Graphics, Vol. 27/3 (2008).Proc. SIGGRAPH 2008)

Abstract:

Motivated by applications in architecture and manufacturing, we discuss the problem of covering a freeform surface by single curved panels. This leads to the new concept of semi-discrete surface representation, which constitutes a link between smooth and discrete surfaces. The basic entity we are working with is the developable strip model. It is the semi-discrete equivalent of a quad mesh with planar faces, or a conjugate parametrization of a smooth surface. We present a B-spline based optimization framework for efficient computing with D-strip models. In particular we study conical and circular models, which semi-discretize the network of principal curvature lines, and which enjoy elegant geometric properties. Together with geodesic models and cylindrical models they offer a rich source of solutions for surface panelization problems.

Link to PDF research paper

Developable Surfaces - Curved Folding

Curved Folding by Martin Kilian, Simon Floery, Zhonggui Chen, Niloy J. Mitra, Alla Sheffer, Helmut PottmannACM SIGGRAPH 2008

Abstract:
Fascinating and elegant shapes may be folded from a single planar sheet of material without stretching, tearing or cutting, if one incorporates curved folds into the design. We present an optimizationbased computational framework for design and digital reconstruction of surfaces which can be produced by curved folding. Our work not only contributes to applications in architecture and industrial design, but it also provides a new way to study the complex and largely unexplored phenomena arising in curved folding.

Link to website

Link to PDF research paper (Siggraph 2008)

Link to 22MB slide presentation

With new funding by Caterpillar, robots are closer to building our homes

via 2modern.com
If Behrokh Koshnevis has his way we may soon see the first house entirely constructed by robots. Koshnevis, a professor of engineering at the University of Southern California is revolutionizing the process of CAD/CAM technology, which 'prints' out a computer model as 3-D object using layers of plastic. Kohsnevis' Contour Crafting automated system uses a giant computer-guided nozzle to lay down layers of concrete, while the machine's robotic trowels give the walls shape.

Now Caterpillar, the world's biggest maker of construction equipment, has announced it will fund research of Koshnevis' robotic building machines through a grant to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The goal is to build a complete house in just a single day. This not just a way to crank out cheap suburban tract homes-thought that's clearly on the minds of executives at Caterpillar. Koshnevis makes the case that this technology could provide affordable housing for millions in poverty or for those who find themselves victims of a natural disaster.

The idea of a robotic building machine sounds like a nightmare for architects, but the invention of any new technology has always been met with trepidation, not to mention howls of derision. Painters swore photography meant the end of painting. Instead, artists started using cameras in unorthodox ways and painters felt free to push the medium far beyond the need to be representational. There is no doubt architects will find ways to creatively engage the robot builders of the future. The fate of human construction workers may not be so bright.

link to video of actual machine

link to Center for Rapid Automated Fabrication Technologies (CRAFT)

TouchTable & TerrainTable

Article by Gordon Petrie

At the last two ESRI International User Conferences held in San Diego, much attention has been focused both by attendees and by the media on TouchTable technology and products. These have been developed by Applied Minds Inc. (AMI), a small and innovative high-technology company from California. In collaboration with AMI, Northrop Grumman, one of the giants of the American defence and aerospace industries, has also developed the TerrainTable, a three dimensional table display system that makes use of the TouchTable technology.

Link to PDF of Terrain Table

TouchTable

TouchTable systems allow you to see and manage large amounts of data in a manner conducive to discussion and decision making. The TouchTable’s unique design and interface can benefit a wide variety of applications, ranging from asset management and acquisitions to repair and response.

TouchTable Systems provide you with a powerful way for accessing, sharing and managing data by allowing you to:

• Visualize project data to quickly view and understand complex information.
• Use the TouchTable as an analysis tool to examine and document data, and save for future reference.
• Incorporate real-time data feeds to aid in time sensitive situations.
• Synchronize projects over a network to quickly and clearly discuss and distribute displayed data.
• Use search and annotation functions to aid in asset management.
• Quickly gather and analyze information from remote locations.
• Visually assess current and historical data to pinpoint and understand trends.

Link to Touchtable's website

Real-Time Landscape Model Interaction Using a Tangible Geospatial Modeling Environment

Emerging technologies that combine the flexibility of digital landscape representation with easy-to-interpret 3D physical models open new possibilities for user interaction with geospatial data. A prototype tangible geo-spatial modeling environment allows users to interact with landscape analysis and simulations using a tangible physical model.
Link to PDF

XenoVision gives new meaning to visualizing the battlefield

Copied from FCW.com, article by Patrick Marshall, Published on September 13, 2004




It reminded me of the scene in "Star Wars" in which the 3-D holographic monster chess pieces fight it out. I was looking at a 3-D map, complete with hills and streams, that demonstrated troop movements. It was, in fact, displaying the Civil War battle of Antietam.

The 3-foot by 4-foot map was produced by the XenoVision Mark III from Xenotran Corp. The basic design of XenoVision is simple, like one of those toy pads filled with pins that you can push in with your fingers to make shapes. In this case, XenoVision received an elevation file from the computer that controlled it and raised and lowered the hundreds of pins in the table, creating the terrain of the map. The pins have an elevation range of 6 inches.

Next, the image of the terrain is projected on the fabric that covers the pins. The projector is an LCD unit with XGA 1,024 x 768 resolution. Other data, such as labels or routes, also can be projected onto the map. The device supports JPEG, GIF, MPEG2 and SWF image formats and GRIDASCII elevation data.

The software controlling XenoVision can create a topographic map in less than two minutes. It takes about 30 seconds to erase an existing map.

XenoVision was developed under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with military uses in mind. Xenotran is also marketing the XenoVision Mark III for use in advertising, disaster planning, resource planning and real estate. For pricing information, go to www.xenotran.com

Link to article
Patent Info
A good article on future of 3D surface forming

Image forming over clay

Creating a 3-D picture within a wooden picture frame is a great children's craft that promotes creativity and innovation. Make a 2-D image three-dimensional with this free arts and crafts video series.
The top layer for a 3-D picture is glued on top of the clay formations. Glue the top layer of a picture with expert tips in this free crafts video.

3-D Picture Top Layer -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

Link to videos

CNC Wire Formers

CNC radial type spring and wire former making a wire form. Demonstrating lateral and vertical slide movement. Courtesy of www.spring-makers-resource.net
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