Augmenting Everyday Objects into Personal Robotic Devices

Abstract

Augmenting familiar physical objects has presented great potential in upgrading their functions by automation, granting aesthetics, and even changing access. The recent celebration of success in personal fabrication has brought novices where they can augment everyday objects, from automating routine tasks with mobilized smart devices to devising self-sustaining smart objects by harvesting energy from involved daily interactions, for example. While the overall process involves a line of steps of capturing specifications, design mechanisms and fabricating the parts, it remains challenging for non-experts as it demands domain expertise in robotics, design, programming, and even mechanical engineering. We introduce a series of augmented robots, smart domestic devices that are augmented from everyday objects, leveraging personal fabrication to assist daily essential interactions. Through user-demonstration of desired motions, 3D printed attachment mechanisms are auto-generated to build personal robotic devices that automate routine tasks and harvest energy.