The team of the Laboratory of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAIL) of MIT has created an automated carpentry system that allows you to customize different elements that can then be built with the collaboration of robots.
Designer Adriana Schulz earned a master’s degree in mathematics from IMPA, Brazil and a degree in electronic engineering from UFRJ, Brazil. computer student at MIT, where he worked with Professor Wojciech Matusik. It focuses on manufacturing-oriented design and develops methods that combine data-based techniques with interactive simulation and optimization to allow occasional users to design complex functional mechanisms.
Since technology has advanced in terms of manufacturing restructuring with the use of 3D printers and industrial robots, This designer creates tools that drive and release the new industrial revolution. Use data-driven techniques to create intelligent tools that make the design more efficient and accessible.
In this project he designs complex functional equipment to improve movement and control. Integrating a conceptualization with interactive tools. based on real-time productivity and functionality.
The idea of the designer Schulz is to reduce the risk of injuries and offer more safety to the carpenters so that they use that quality time in other tasks of greater concentration, Together with the team of the Laboratory of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence of the MIT has created AutoSaw
What is AutoSaw?
a system that allows non-experts to customize different elements that can then be built with the help of robots.
That is, that operators can choose their furniture from a variety of templates designed by carpenters, it also offers flexibility to design furniture that fits houses and apartments with space limitations, however it is possible to use the program for larger projects such as a Deck or porch.
Daniela Rus director and co-author of CSAIL commented: “Robots have already allowed mass production, but with artificial intelligence they have the potential to allow customization and mass in almost everything we produce.” “AutoSaw shows this potential for easy access and customization in carpentry.”
How does it work?
Using the existing OnShape CAD system with an interface of design templates, users
They can customize their furniture for parameters such as size, robustness and aesthetics. Once the design is finished, the robots execute the cutting process using the jigsaw. To cut wood, the team used motion tracking software and small mobile robots, adapting it in a smaller space and more profitable than large robotic arms. Specifically, the team used a modified Roomba with a jigsaw connected to cut wood of any shape on a board.
To cut, the team used two Kuka youBots to lift the beam, place it on the cutting saw and cut. “We added soft tweezers to the robots to give them more flexibility, like that of a human carpenter,” which generated reliability in the accuracy of power tools. Then the robots finish the cut, the user assembles the new furniture following the instructions of the system.
The system showed that through the simulations of the equipment, chairs, sheds, and even terraces could be manufactured using robots. They built a table with such precision, without human intervention approaching the sierra.
It is clear that the AutoSaw system is still a research platform, in the future the team plans to use materials such as wood and integrate complex tasks such as drilling and gluing.
Schulz says: “Systems that can work in unstructured physical environments, such as this carpentry system, are very difficult to manufacture.”
«Our goal is to democratize furniture customization».