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Tempo
Project details
Programme
Research Cluster
RC3
Tempo investigates autonomous spatial embodiment through a robotically controlled hybrid tensegrity system. It aims to understand how human-body movement can influence the space quality. Tempo offers a performing space that responds to users' physical activity through a sensory actuated system.
Under the theoretical framework adopted from Greg Lynn's ‘Giant Robot’, the project capitalises the question of architectural emergence through a symbiosis between human and non-human behaviour. Tempo is considered a second-order cybernetic architecture with its autonomous ability. It is made self-aware through a sensory system that provides feedback on the spatial body's internal state and environmental state. The structure is a continuously evolving spatial system that self-adapts in relation to quantitative and qualitative elements of human and non-human behaviour, constrained within the material body's degrees of freedom.
Tempo’s structure is made by hybridising the tensile and tensegrity system. Through some study of material performances, the addition of fabric as a part of the structure triggers the equilibrium within the tensegrity structure but helps to stabilise the whole system simultaneously.
The overall research is investigated through the parallel development of robotic material prototypes, sensor actuated control systems, and a bespoke simulator that is trained using reinforcement learning.
Group Students
01
Tempo Actuated Hybrid Tensegrity System
Theoretical Research
Theoretical Research
Driven by Greg Lynn's theory, the project capitalises on the question of architectural emergence through the symbiosis between human and non-human behaviour.
State of the Art: Bat Wing
The physical anatomy, forces, and node and structural hierarchy of a bat’s wing is used as a reference of natural tensegrity systems.
RC3’s Tensegrity Research
This project continues research into tensegrity structures that has been carried out by RC3 students over the last three years. Different tensegrity systems are explored each year through physical prototypes and design investigations.
Topological Research
Topological Research
A hybridised topology is developed, based on replacing tensile cables with textile and using the woven tensegrity. The diverse node hierarchy allows consistent structural stability through aggregation.
System Properties
System Properties
This system is based on full textile integration, minimising control points, and spooling continuous cable. The system is scalable and has multiple orientations.
02
Architectural Simulation
Developed Spatial Simulation
Developed Spatial Simulation
Linear Spatial Simulation
Linear Spatial Simulation
Through initial spatial studies, this setup evaluated the implications of spooling various continuous cables.
Analysis of Spatial Assemblies
Analysis of Spatial Assemblies
Workflow, Daylight, and User Simulation
Workflow, Daylight, and User Simulation
Full and Partial Actuation
Full and Partial Actuation
03
Physical Prototype
Initial Prototype-Making Process
Initial Prototype-Making Process
Horizontal Grid Setup
A prototype of woven grid topology in horizontal setup.
Woven Grid Physical Prototype
A developed prototype which offers a large degree of freedom and flexibility.
Skeleton Structure
The skeleton structure provides the basis of the controlled structure.
Structural Flexibility
Structural Flexibility
A curved final prototype demonstrates the ability to change states.
04
Robotic Research
Changing State Behaviour
Physical properties are capitalised upon to achieve maximum and minimum changing state behaviours.
Vertical Triangular Prismatic System
Vertical Triangular Prismatic System
An initial prototype investigates changing state behaviours and physical constraints.
Vertical Woven Grid System
Vertical Woven Grid System
A developed prototype is investigated to offer a greater degree of freedom and flexibility.
Manual Control Interaction
Manual Control Interaction
The control environment is designed to dictate the changing state which is defined through a length ratio. Feedback values regarding motors’ rotation status and length state are collected to be evaluated.
Automated Control Interaction
Automated Control Interaction
A gesture recognition system is applied to improve the autonomous ability of the robotic controls, allowing the system to self-perform.
The Bartlett
B-Pro & Autumn Shows 2020
27 November – 11 December 2020
B-Pro & Autumn Shows 2020
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