Computerised system converts 3D objects into moving robots-800p
Article By : Lester Belen
A team from Purdue University created the 'CardBoardiZer' that transforms static 3D objects into moving robotic versions made out of cardboard, wood and sheet metal in minutes.
A research team at Purdue University has developed a computerised system that lets novice designers convert stationary 3D objects into moving robotic versions made out of materials such as cardboard, wood and sheet metal.
"We are taking inanimate objects and making them come alive," said Karthik Ramani, the Donald W. Feddersen professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University.
The system is called CardBoardiZer and has evolved from previous work based in Ramani's C Design Lab.
"We wanted to create a system that's much easier to use than other design programmes, which are too complicated for the average person to learn," Ramani said. "People can pick up CardBoardiZer in 10 minutes."
__Figure 1:__ *This graphics depicts how a system called CardBoardiZer allows novice designers to convert 3D objects into moving robotic versions. (Purdue University image/Karthik Ramani)*
For example, he said, an object like a plastic dinosaur with immovable parts can be scanned using a laser scanner and then turned into a folding cardboard version with moveable head, mouth, limbs and tail.
"Once I have the rough shape, this system can take over from there," Ramani said.
The models can then be motorised using a commercial product called Ziro, which grew out of work in the Purdue lab. Ziro uses motorised "joint modules" equipped with wireless communicators and micro-controllers. The user controls the robotic creations with hand gestures while wearing a wireless "smart glove."
"We want everybody to become more artistic, to democratise the interfaces and accessibility of these tools so that they are more universally accessible and to lower the barriers to entry of designing and making these kinds of more sophisticated models," he said.
The system converts objects into flat versions similar to a tailor's dress patterns. "And then I can cut it, fold it and give it motion where I want," said Ramani, who has been teaching a popular toy design class at Purdue for 18 years, refining ways to make toys both educational and fun.
The prototype technique represents a potential alternative to, and overcomes the limitations of, 3D printing.
"I can make a dinosaur this big," he said, holding his arms out wide. "With 3D printing you'll be spending one month printing it, but CardBoardiZer works quickly with standard cardboard, wood or sheet metal."
The system was inspired by a do-it-yourself "makers" movement and has a design focus.
"Our geometric simplification algorithm can generate cardboardised models with a few folds, making it easy for children to fold and at the same time retaining a shape that the user desires," said Yunbo Zhang, a postdoctoral research associate who led the project in the C Design Lab.
