A 3D block printer using toy bricks for various models

Abstract

We study a robotic “Block Printing System” that automatically performs assembly of blocks from 3D CAD models. In our previous study, a prototype system with an industrial manipulator was implemented. In this study, we add three functions to this system so that it can be able to print more various models. First, we realize color printing. Secondly, we propose a method to deal with unprintable shapes. Thirdly, we introduce a new block feeder to generate large-scale block sculptures. It is confirmed that these functions are useful by assembly experiments in which some block sculptures that were unprintable before can be generated.