Automatic Design of 3D Printable Robots by Disney

Disney Research released their software demonstration which shows how it is possible to automatically design 3d printable robots that can move with different cinematic and motion systems.

You basically just input what you want a robot to do and algorithms calculate the 3d printable design. I see dark future for human engineers job security.

Now it is used for small robotic creatures, but I can see it being used to developed large military mechas or smaller mission customizable war bots.




From project description:

We present an interactive design system that allows casual users to quickly create 3D-printable robotic creatures. Our approach automates the tedious parts of the design process while providing sample room for customization of morphology, proportions, gait and motion style.

The technical core of our framework is an efficient optimization-based solution that generates stable motions for legged robots of arbitrary designs. An intuitive set of editing tools allows the user to interactively explore the space of feasible designs and to study the relationship between morphological features and the resulting motions. Fabrication blueprints are generated automatically such that the robot designs can be manufactured using 3D-printing and off-the-shelf servo motors.

We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution by designing six robotic creatures with a variety of morphological features: two, four or five legs, point or area feet, actuated spines and different proportions. We validate the feasibility of the designs generated with our system through physics simulations and physically-fabricated prototypes.

Project homepage:

http://www.disneyresearch.com/publication/interactive-design-of-3d-printable-robotic-creatures/

It just needs to be bigger and carry some lasers!

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