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Ephyra

Challenge

Create an installation piece that showcase the fiber technology for TOKYO FIBER 07 “SENSEWARE” exhibition.

Visit Ephyra for detailed description.

Solution

Ephyra, designed by Shunji Yamanaka is a simulation of mankind's future creations. I took charge as project leader, managing schedule, expense and logistics. As well as production, prototyping, and exhibition set up with my team.

The Team

Design & Direction
Shunji Yamanaka
Research Cooperation
Wakita Lab. at Keio Univ. SFC
Production
Mariko Higaki, Michihiko Ueno, Yosuke Ushigome
Frame Design
Masaki Shimomura
Programming
Sohei Kitada

Video

Fabric Experiment

Our first attempt to see the stretch and silhouette of the fabric. We made a structure with wooden rods. Trying to find the best balance of the tense of fabric.

Frame Structure

The number of tentacles was decided as 12 from the tensegrity structure. Various models were made to decide the design of frame to support the air cylinders.

Electronics

First tested with working prototype made with universal board. Then went to the final PCB prototype.

Manufacture

Sensor cap to grab the capacitive sensor was manufactured by hand with milling machine. The frames were made by sheet-metal manufacturer.

Setup

In order to finalize this robotic interface, we spent a day at the site to set up. Biggest challenge was to fix the fabric to the right tension and height, since we were not able to test this beforehand.

Exhibition

  • TOKYO FIBER 07 SENSEWARE
  • Aoyama Spiral, Tokyo Japan,
  • 26–29 April, 2007.
  • TOKYO FIBER 07 SENSEWARE Paris
  • PALAIS DE TOKYO, Paris France,
  • 26–28 June, 2007
  • Wakita Lab Exhibition
  • Hillside Terrace, Tokyo Japan
  • 8–9 September, 2007.