Bionic Interval
Space between biology and technology
This project is a collaboration between 3D Systems and Ekso Bionics. Through 3D scanning technology we have created bespoke parts that mediate the binding between Amanda Boxtel and the Ekso bionic suit.
Our parts accurately recreate the shape of the body through a process that uses three-dimensional scanning. These parts, mediate the space between biology and technology, becoming a sort of synthetic musculature (ALife 2).
The striated pattern on the parts allows ventilation and flexibility, while visually describing the concept of a musculature. These parts complement the fluid contours of Amanda’s body, providing the mechanical functionality that the robot requires, while enhancing her quality of life.
The Ekso enables Amanda to walk, our 3D printed musculature aims to create a seamless connection between both. What will happen when the Ekso is designed from the ground up with these ideas in mind? How will 3D imaging and printing technology affect bionic enhancements? Can we envision an integrated bionic suit that will one day be seamless to both user and spectator?
Design / Gustavo Fricke
Mentorship / Scott Summit
Photography / Peter Samuels
Artificial Life (Alife) Otherwise called ‘synthetic biology’, artificial life does not seek to understand life as it is but to create life as it could be.
Lister, Martin. New media: a critical introduction. London: Routledge, 2003. Print.
'Swarm' future concept for bionic suit based on independent interconected modules.
We scanned Amanda both sitting and standing (assisted) , and wearing the robot, in order to study the shape changes in her spine and tissue in various postures.
The parts are layered, like muscles, they unfold unto Amanda’s body and the Ekso. By creating these parts off Amanda’s body geometry, they fit seamlessly, augmenting the connection with the bionic suit.
The spinal section was created as a digital average between a standing scan and a seated scan, intending to conform accurately and comfortably to the upper body.
The striated pattern on the parts allows ventilation and flexibility, while visually describing a synthetic musculature.
And the overall printed forms intend to showcase the fluidity of the body and natural forms, mitigating the rigid mechanical forms of the robot.
Amanda was able to stand and walk, debuting the conceptual, hybrid robot onstage in Budapest at a Singularity University event in November 15th.
