Human-robot interaction takes a new form at The Creative School’s Design + Technology LAB
The Creative School’s Design + Technology LAB hosted a Robotic x Human Collaborative Workshop on robotic fabrication led by visiting roboticist Guy Gardner from the University of Calgary School of Architecture, whose research explores the intersections of technology, design, and architecture.
The technology-based workshop brought Interior Design and Architecture students together to collaborate in the Design + Technology LAB’s 8,300 square foot facilities, the prime environment for technology and creativity to come together to support research and innovation.
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The Design and Technology LAB. Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Human x Robot Collaboration
The UR10 Robotics Workshop aimed to provide students with a customizable tool and workflow that can be used to integrate a digital design space with the real space of a robotic fabrication system. Workshop participants used Rhino (3D modeling software) and Grasshopper (visual programming code) to explore design iterations and program a robot to build a full-scale wooden block wall over the course of three days of design, fabrication, and human-robot collaboration.
Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Alice Huang, a fourth-year Interior Design student mentioned that the workshop had aspects of both academia and practice, allowing her to learn in an action-oriented environment. “It was a fun and mentally stimulating workshop that balanced both critical thinking and hands-on learning extremely well,” said Huang
Cross-Faculty Collaboration
Jonathon Anderson, Director of the Design + Technology LAB and Associate Professor of Interior Design, spoke of the importance of cross-faculty collaboration in an academic setting. “One of the LAB's most critical aspects is supporting collaborative research and teaching, thus, extending the invitation to the Architecture students was only natural,” he said. “This ensures Interior Design and Architecture students are starting a conversation in their formative years as the rest of their lives will be spent collaborating.”
Visiting roboticist Guy Gardner, interior design, and architecture students. Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Workshop guest Guy Gardner reflected on the transdisciplinarity and hands-on approach of The Creative School students, noting their high levels of engagement and collaboration.
“The thing that stood out to me was how engaged and collaborative the students were. Working in small groups, they helped each other to understand the basics of designing for robotic fabrication by developing their own concepts,” Gardner mentioned. “Once they had collectively decided on an approach, they were able to execute quickly by dividing up the tasks based on their interests and abilities to work as a large team,” says Gardner.
Students have shared similar views on this experience. “Collaborating with students across different programs, universities, and even countries was one of the most incredible parts of this workshop,” Huang added. “Within a few short days, it allowed us to experience what it would be like to work in a professional environment similar to a large architecture firm.”
Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Having these collaborative workshops and knowledge exchanges are very important to the Design + Technology LAB and The Creative School’s ecosystem alike, Anderson says.
“Bringing in leading researchers from the field of creative robotics helps grow the community, brings exposure to the LAB’s commitment to student excellence. Most importantly, it provides our students with unique opportunities that help build their portfolio and creative skillset.”
Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
Image courtesy of Michelle Ng.
This makes for a great memorable and impactful experience for students, particularly in a post-pandemic setting. “The level of open collaboration among all workshop participants made this experience particularly meaningful, especially after the past two years of remote learning. It was the perfect way to end off my four years at Toronto Metropolitan University,” says Huang.
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.
