Human-Material Dialogues Through the Use of Robotics: Embodied Craft Learning in an Architectural Educational Context Exploring Patterns in Clay

Robotics has become a relevant tool in various artistic design and craft processes for prototyping. Nevertheless, digital technology tends to create a barrier between the craftsperson’s direct relationship to and use of the material. This research investigates and discusses an embodied craft learning situation in an educational context that aims to support students within architecture by applying human-material dialogues when using robotics. Initially, the students were introduced to traditional craftsmanship based on materials and tools in ceramics. Based on the gained experiential knowledge, the same tools and materials were applied and explored on a UR 5 robot. The learning situation showed potential to teach the students about robotics based on human-material dialogues and embodiment through making. The teaching context was based on experiments with the UR5 robot, where a sensor provided the user with the opportunity to interact with the material through the robot while it was operating. The sensor enabled the students to use their obtained experiential knowledge before the robot session to improvise and work intuitively and spontaneously while they were exploring patterning based on the tools attached to the robot and the responsive material.