Course detail

CNC Machining – Robots in Artistic Practice

FaVU-CNCAcad. year: 2024/2025

The course is focused on introducing the possibilities of using industrial robots (not only) in spatial art creation. It introduces students to 3D machining and its possibilities, safety of work in a robotic workplace, programming the robot, preparing a 3D model for machining, importing the model into Autodesk PowerMill, generating NC paths, simulating and modifying robot movement, preparing the robot for work, selecting and preparing material for machining. The course includes hands-on exercises in 3D machining.

 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Mgr. Tomáš Medek

Department

Department of 3D Technology (K3D)

Offered to foreign students

Of all faculties

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of working with a personal computer, the ability to orient in a virtual space, patience and interest in 3D technology. Experience with 3D programs (3D Max, Maya, Rhinoceros 3D, SolidWorks, etc.) is welcomed.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The credit is awarded in the basis of attendance (at least 85%) and fulfilment of assigned tasks.

Classes are held at the Robotics Workplace of the FFA BUT in the hours determined by the schedule. Attendance is compulsory (2 unexcused absences allowed). Higher number of absences (maximum 1 additional absence) can be compensated after agreement with the teacher in an alternative term.

 

Aims

The course is designed to introduce students to the technology of 3D robotic machining and the possibilities of using it to create spatial objects. Based on lectures and practical exercises, students should acquire the necessary skills for independent work in the field of robotic machining and thus expand their knowledge of the use of other technologies in modern (not only sculptural) creation.

 


As the outcome of the course, students will gain a relevant fundament of knowledge and skills in 3D machining. Those will allow them to estimate the appropriate procedures in the machine production of specific objects. Students will be able to independently work both with software used for 3D machining and with the robot itself.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Willmann, J.; Block, P.; Hutter, M.; Byrne, K.; Schork, T. (eds.). Robotic Fabrication in Architecture, Art and Design 2018. Springer, 2018. (EN)

Recommended reading

https://www.digital-handmade.com/ (EN)
https://www.robotsinarchitecture.org/ (EN)
Labaco, Ron. Out of Hand. Materializing the Postdigital. Black Dog Publishing, 2013. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme FAAD Master's 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme ZST-BX Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme ZST-NX Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

8 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Tomáš Medek

Syllabus

1) Introduction to the robotic workshop of FFA BUT. Components, parameters, safety, materials, project examples, etc.
2) Range of operations of Robotic arm (6 DOF industrial robot).
3) Manual control and programming of the robot.
4) Robot drawing.
5) Artists of CNC milling machines.
6) Introduction to milling, machine kinematics, milling methods.
7) Basic principles of robot milling, model preparation.
8) Introduction to software, model import, modification.
9) Setting of simulation parameters (in the program...).
10) Machining simulation and robot motion adjustment.
11) 3D robotic machining - project implementation.

Practical class

18 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Dušan Váňa, Ph.D.