Loading Ceramics: Visualising Possibilities of Robotics in Ceramics

This article introduces an artistic research project that utilises artist-in-residency and exhibition as methods for exploring the possibilities of robotic 3D printing and ceramics. The interdisciplinary project unites artists and architects to collaborate on a proposed curatorial concept and Do-It-With-Others (DIWO) technological development. Constraints include material, specifically local clay, production technique, namely 3D printing with a robotic arm, and kiln size, as well as an exhibition concept that is further elaborated in the next chapter. The pictorial presents four projects as case studies demonstrating how the creatives integrate these constraints into their processes. This integration leads to the subsequent refinement and customization of the robotic-ceramics interface, aligning with the practitioners' requirements through software development. The project's focus extends beyond artistic outcomes, aiming also to advance the pipeline of 3D robotic printing in clay, employing a digitally controlled material press that has been developed in-house, with its functionality refined through practice.

Contributors

	Varvara Guljajeva Computational Media and Arts, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Guangzhou, China Prof. Dr. Varvara Guljajeva is an artist and researcher, currently a substitute professor at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. She has presented her research at major conferences like SIGGRAPH, CVPR, ISEA and more, with her work exhibited at Ars Electronica, ZKM, and Barbican.
	Mar Canet Sola Tallinn University Tallinn, Estonia
	Lauri Kilusk Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, Estonia Lauri Kilusk is a ceramics artist and 3D printing developer, heading the Ceramics Workshop at the Estonian Academy of Arts. He researches ceramic materials for 3D printing. He also conducts workshops at European universities, sharing his expertise in ceramics and technology.
	Martin Melioranski Faculty of Architecture/3DL, Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, Estonia Martin Melioranski is an architect, educator, and PhD researcher. In 2005 he co-founded and directs 3DL at Estonian Academy of Arts. He has taught at Columbia GSAPP, Bezalel, Shenkar, and EKA since 1999. His work spans from loudspeakers to high-rises, and experimental projects exhibited globally.
	Kaiko Kivi Faculty of Architecture / 3DL, Estonian Academy of Arts Tallinn, Estonia Kaiko Kivi, a second-year PhD student in architecture and city planning at the Estonian Academy of Arts, focuses on computational methods, sustainability, building performance modeling, and digital fabrication. He is a partner at Mudel architects and has startup experience in software development.