A study in the robotic 7th axis
Instructor: Devyn Weiser

TA: Jonathan Stahl

SEMI-Automatic investigates the creation of volumetric form from linear strands using complex and strategic motion paths with a 6-axis robotic arm.

Traditional knitting-in-the-round yield  flat panels or at best, circular tubes or discs; using limp yarn material for garment and decorative fabrication.

The SEMI-Automatic process takes the weaving of material with itself from the traditional knitting processes into new territory where one can explore multiple scalar, material and functional possibilities.

The 7th axis loom tool ensures
flexible
formal
output.

Robotic technology ensures
tireless, continuous output.

Form is driven by constraints. 
Adjustment of constraints creates variety.

Therefore the process is not seeking to fulfill a prior designed form, rather invent its own form as part of the 'making' process; heavily reliant on material unpredictability and the robots unrelenting ability to

never stop knitting.