Project R-10145

Technology Assisted Support for Fabrication Workflows (Research)

This PhD investigates and contributes sensor technology to assist users in building physical artefacts. While state-of-the-art research focuses on augmenting materials and workflows, this research investigates embedded technology to assist in maker processes. In contrast to augmentation, embedding sensing does not rely on shapes for recognition and can even track changes in material over fabrication steps. Novel opportunities include, components that can track their shape and materials that can track their shape while cutting. Secondly, we explore how sensor data from materials and work spaces can be fused to realize software tools that assist fabrication workflows. Novel opportunities include, adapting the workflow or artefact upon errors, providing feedback during the fabrication process, and facilitating inspection and maintenance of the resulting artefact. Finally, this PhD dissertation investigates novel opportunities to facilitate collaborating on fabrication workflows using sensor technology. Collaborating on a fabrication project is oftentimes hard as one needs to be aware of engineering decisions and the current stage of the workflow. With sensor technology omni-present, an entire history of the workpiece can be compiled to communicate engineering decisions and fabrication steps to collaborators. This PhD proposal has significant long-term valorisation potential in the context of Industry 4.0 (assembly lines) as well as for engineering processes in maker labs.

01 October 2019 - 30 September 2023