Creative Robotics Lab
The new Laboratory for Creative Robotics at the University of Arts Linz is a cooperation project with the Ars Electronica Center, KUKA Roboter CEE GmbH, Johannes Kepler University, Bernstein Innovation and the Association for Robots in Architecture, which is funded by the University Infrastructure Program of the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy.
Robotic arms are universal machines that - like a human hand - can be equipped with a variety of tools and can thus be quickly transformed from a milling machine into a 3D printer. However, we see robots not just as manufacturing machines, but as a multifaceted interface between the digital and physical worlds.
The lab is therefore open to all fields of study as part of research-led teaching: While industrial designers build prototypes with robots, students of "Time-based Media" develop interactive robot installations and graphics students research new methods of representation that only a robot can realize. The machine does not become the last link in a long chain from design to production, but an integrated part of the design process. This is made possible above all by accessible robot software - such as KUKA|prc - which also allows new users to control completely new robot processes.
The laboratory cooperates with artists and designers, as well as with SMEs that want to research new robot applications - supported by FFG funding, for example.
The core competence of the robotics laboratory lies in its pronounced interdisciplinarity, which represents a unique selling point in this form. By involving partners from the creative field, industry and research, a unique and innovative research laboratory is to be established. Instead of the traditional division of tasks between creative and technical partners, the Laboratory for Creative Robotics will enable collaborations at eye level through lively exchange. We see the research focus in the area of human-machine collaboration, the development of novel software programs and interfaces as well as innovative, multifunctional robot tools, but also teaching at various levels.
In terms of software, the focus is on finding new, efficient ways for users to interact intuitively with robots. New interfaces must be based on interaction criteria such as those that have been established in recent years, particularly in the field of mobile electronics. Equally relevant are new technologies from the field of virtual and augmented reality, especially with regard to human-machine cooperation, where, for example, the robot's workspaces are represented in virtual space.
An equally important point is the development of new types of tools to ideally exploit the versatility of industrial robots. Bernstein's 3D printing expertise enables us to create safe and highly optimized tools for new robot applications in lightweight construction. UfG's industrial design department has already gained a great deal of experience in collaboration with Festo (Festo PowerGripper and AirArm).
Finally, the lab is keen to communicate the potential of creative robotics to the outside world. This is to take place on several levels, starting with workshops for pupils in cooperation with the AEC, the aim of which is to show participants the creative potential of robots and arouse interest in programming and machines.
At the same time, the laboratory is open to students from all fields of study as part of research-led teaching to implement their own robot projects.
A web platform is also to be set up to reach an even wider public through social media.