Soft Robotics for Architects: Integrating Soft Robotics Education in an Architectural Context

Abstract

This article describes a 1-week workshop introducing architecture students to the field of soft robotics engineering. The overall goal of the workshop was to develop a building facade concept that integrates soft robotics. The content of the workshop was based on pneu-nets, that is, pneumatically driven silicone actuators. The students created a facade prototype made of 24 actuators arranged in a hexagonal structure. The workshop was accompanied by a guest lecture as well as external critiques. In this article, we detail the curriculum, describe the outcome, and propose future directions toward integration of soft robotics into architecture.