TrussFormer - 3D Printing Large Kinetic Structures

Explore an innovative system for 3D printing large-scale kinetic structures in this conference talk from the ACM User Interface Software and Technology Symposium. Discover TrussFormer, which extends the capabilities of TrussFab by incorporating motion and dynamic forces into large-scale truss structures made from 3D printed connectors and PET bottles. Learn how to add movement using linear actuators, either manually, through reusable components called assets, or by demonstrating the intended motion. Understand the system's ability to verify mechanical soundness and withstand dynamic forces resulting from movement. Examine the fabrication process, including the generation of hinge systems printable on standard desktop 3D printers. Witness impressive examples of TrussFormer's capabilities, such as a 6-legged walking robot and a 4m tall animatronics dinosaur with 5 degrees of freedom.