The Bartlett
B-Pro Show 2022
Explore
B-Pro Show 2022
unit-code
Close
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Symbot
Project details
Programme
Cluster
RC3
Can humans and robots co-exist by developing a symbiotic relationship?
Symbot expands on the values of living architecture by focusing on creating adaptable spaces guided by bottom up systems that enable self-organisation, assembly and reconfiguration. This multi-agent embodied robotic approach comprises four interdependent systems: unit nesting system, modular assembly robots, furniture robots and wheel robots. The multi-scalar system allows the user to adapt and reconfigure the units to create a variety of transformable multi-functional spaces and also transform their spaces at the interior level. This reconfiguration is driven by a bespoke computational system that generates aggregations of unit clusters based on their ability to connect with neighbouring units in their expanded state.
Overview
Overview
Overview
The project aims to expand on the values of living architecture by focusing on creating adaptable spaces, guided by a bottom up system that enables them to transform, self organise, self assess and reconfigure.
01
Systems
Systems
Systems
This symbiotic habitat encompasses four robotic systems: the modular assembly robot, nesting units, furniture robots and wheel robots. These diverse multi-scalar agents collaborate, organise and reconfigure the environment according to the user.
Project Overview
Project Overview
Symbot houses an upcoming artist community and has set its first prototype in Hackney, London, near upcoming institutions of education and art.
02
Robotic Systems
Systems
Nesting Unit System
Nesting Unit System
Designed with the intention of achieving a more sustainable and faster system of transportation, transformation and adaptation of spaces, these three telescopic units can nest and expand based on the user's requirement and spatial criteria.
Assembly Robot
Assembly Robot
The Assembly Robot is used to transport, assemble, reorganise and dismantle the nested units and architecture through its intricately coded functions and robotic parts.
Assembly Robot Parts
In the first prototype, experiments conducted deduced challenges in the stability and rotation due to its bulky design. Based on this, further prototypes were designed.
Robotic Prototypes
Robotic Prototypes
Robotic prototypes were developed to understand the possibilities and limitations of the robotic systems. Experiments were conducted with modules to understand the relationship between the agent and unit.
Single Agent and Nesting Unit Collaboration Prototype
Single Unit Simulation Control
The simulation aims to train a single agent assembly robot to determine the shortest path between the start point and target unit, and then carry the unit to its final target location.
Computation and Simulation
Computation and Simulation
The algorithm reorganises the units based on the typology's facial constraints and units nesting possibilities.
Modular Furniture Robots
Modular Furniture Robots
The modular furniture robots move and assemble static furniture blocks within the nested and parent units. These robots move using the sliding mechanism on a set of tracks that are also an integral structural part of the unit.
Spatial Typologies
Spatial Typologies
Three spatial typologies form: living studio, co-working, workshop, exhibition and performance spaces. The nesting units collaborate, interlock, combine and adapt to form these spaces.
The Bartlett
B-Pro Show 2022
27 September – 7 October
B-Pro Show 2022
Explore