Robotic surfaces, whose form and function are under computational control, offer exciting new possibilities for environments that can be customized to fit user-specific needs. When these surfaces can be reprogrammed, a once-static structure can be repurposed to serve multiple different roles over time. In this paper, we introduce such a system. This is an architectural-scale robotic surface, which is able to begin in a neutral state, assume a desired functional shape, and later return to its neutral (flat) position. The surface can then assume a completely different functional shape, all under program control. Though designed for large-scale applications, our surface uses small, power-efficient constraints to reconfigure itself dynamically. The driving actuation force, instead of being positioned at each "joint" of the structure, is relocated to outer edges of the surface. Within the work presented here, we illustrate the design and implementation of such a surface, showcase a number of human-scale example functional forms that can be achieved (such as dynamic furniture), and present technical evaluations of the results.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606740
We present a pipeline for printing interactive and always-on magnetophoretic displays using affordable FDM 3D printers. Using our pipeline, an end-user can convert the surface of a 3D shape into a matrix of voxels. The generated model can be sent to an FDM 3D printer equipped with an additional syringe-based injector. During the printing process, an oil and iron powder-based liquid mixture is injected into each voxel cell, allowing the appearance of the once-printed object to be editable with external magnetic sources. To achieve this, we conducted modifications to the 3D printer hardware and the firmware. We also implemented a 3D editor to prepare printable models. We demonstrate our pipeline with a variety of examples, including a printed Stanford bunny with customizable appearances, a small espresso mug that can be used as a post-it note surface, a board game figurine with a computationally updated display, and a collection of flexible wearable accessories with editable visuals.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606804
Existing invisible object tagging methods are prone to low resolution, which impedes tracking performance. We present BrightMarker, a fabrication method that uses fluorescent filaments to embed easily trackable markers in 3D printed color objects. By using an infrared-fluorescent filament that "shifts" the wavelength of the incident light, our optical detection setup filters out all the noise to only have the markers present in the infrared camera image. The high contrast of the markers allows us to track them robustly regardless of the moving objects’ surface color. We built a software interface for automatically embedding these markers for the input object geometry, and hardware modules that can be attached to existing mobile devices and AR/VR headsets. Our image processing pipeline robustly localizes the markers in real-time from the captured images. BrightMarker can be used in a variety of applications, such as custom fabricated wearables for motion capture, tangible interfaces for AR/VR, rapid product tracking, and privacy-preserving night vision. BrightMarker exceeds the detection rate of state-of-the-art invisible marking, and even small markers (1"x1") can be tracked at distances exceeding 2m.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606758
We present digital mechanical metamaterials that enable multiple computation loops and reprogrammable logic functions, making a significant step towards passive yet interactive devices. Our materials consist of many cells that transmit signals using an embedded bistable spring. When triggered, the bistable spring displaces and triggers the next cell. We integrate a recharging mechanism to recharge the bistable springs, enabling multiple computation rounds. Between the iterations, we enable reprogramming the logic functions after fabrication. We demonstrate that such materials can trigger a simple controlled actuation anywhere in the material to change the local shape, texture, stiffness, and display. This enables large-scale interactive and functional materials with no or a small number of external actuators. We showcase the capabilities of our system with various examples: a haptic floor with tunable stiffness for different VR scenarios, a display with easy-to-reconfigure messages after fabrication, or a tactile notification integrated into users’ desktops.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606752
We present AirTied, a device that fabricates truss structures in a fully automatic fashion. AirTied achieves this by un-rolling a 20cm-wide inflatable plastic tube and tying nodes into it. AirTied creates nodes by holding onto a segment of tube, stacking additional tube segments on top of it, tying them up, and releasing the result. The resulting structures are material efficient and light as well as sturdy, as we demonstrate by creating a 6m-tower. Unlike the prior art, AirTied requires no scaffolding and no building blocks, bringing automated truss construction into the reach of personal fabrication.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606820
Users often 3D model enclosures that interact with significant heat sources, such as electronics or appliances that generate heat (e.g., CPU, motor, lamps, etc.). While parts made by users might function well aesthetically or structurally, they are rarely thermally-sound. This happens because heat transfer is non-intuitive; thus, engineering thermal solutions is not straightforward. To tackle this, we developed ThermalRouter, a CAD plugin that assists with improving the thermal performance of their models. ThermalRouter automatically converts regions of the model to be made from thermally-conductive materials (such as nylon or metallic-silicone). These regions act as heat channels, branching away from hotspots to dissipate heat. The key is that ThermalRouter automatically simulates the thermal performance of many possible heat channel configurations and presents the user with the most thermally-sound design (e.g., lowest temperature). Furthermore, it allows users to customize by balancing costs, indicating non-modifiable geometry, etc. Most importantly, ThermalRouter achieves this without requiring manual labor to set up or parse the results of complex thermal simulations.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3586183.3606747