Workshop Title
Robotic Mandala: Human-Machine Co-creation through Mandala Art
Brief Workshop Description
In this workshop, we explore the collaborative possibilities between humans and machines through the creation of a mandala. Mandalas have been used for centuries as tools for collective meditation and are seen as reflections of the universe and ourselves within it. Their intricate geometric patterns symbolize the interconnectedness of all things. By dividing the mandala into sections, each participant designs one of the concentric circles, encouraging individual creativity while contributing to a unified whole.
Our workshop mirrors this tradition by inviting participants to use open-source tools to create unique patterns that the robotic arm will draw in real-time. The robot acts as a creative collaborator, translating digital designs into physical art, starting from the center and working outward.
Our collaborative mandala will be exhibited by the end of the workshop. Traditionally, monks sweep up mandalas to symbolize life's transience. Similarly, we will erase our mandala, reflecting on the impermanence of existence and the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Estimated duration
~5 hours
Estimated number of sessions required & duration of each session
This workshop can be scheduled as one continuous 5-hour session or spread over days, based on the parts described in the workshop breakdown.
Workshop breakdown
The workshop centers on collaborative drawing between humans and the robot to create a mandala. It consists of five parts:
- Part I - Hi, I am Cobot!
- Duration: ~1h
- Participants will learn basic robotic concepts such as arm manipulation and control using common move commands. Comparisons to pen plotters, including pros and cons, will be explained. The G-code language and a p5.js library I am developing for real-time G-code generation and execution from p5.js sketches will be introduced, providing immediacy for drawing with code. A demonstration will use a portable, 6-axis cobot (Ufactory Lite6), with concepts applicable to a wide range of robotic arms.
- Part II - Let's collaborate!
- Duration: ~1h
- Introduction to real-time collaborative drawing using open-source tools (p5.js, WebSockets). Participants are introduced to WebSockets and how they can be used for collaborative applications. A library I am developing will be introduced as a wrapper around p5.js functions to allow seamless, collaborative, and remote drawing on a shared canvas.
- Part III - Mandala Meditation
- Duration: ~2h
- The final artwork is a mandala created collaboratively by all participants and the robotic arm. Participants receive a brief introduction to the cultural context of mandalas. Each participant designs a unique colored pattern using p5.js, which is symmetrically scattered around a circle with a unique radius. Updates from each participant are reflected in real-time on a shared canvas. By the end, participants collaboratively paint within the outline of mandala, adding a final collective touch.
- Part IV - Reflection
- Duration: ~15min
- Generative artists increasingly seek to bring digital artwork "off the screen" to capture the tangible essence unique to reality. The workshop will also critically reflect on the role of machines in contemporary art creation by posing questions:
- How does the robotic arm's role differ from traditional tools, and how do its precision and capabilities influence the creative process?
- Is the robot merely an executor of commands, or does it hold a more significant role in bringing a vision to life?
- In what ways does the integration of digital tools and robotic technology expand or limit artistic expression and creativity?
- Part V - Dissolution
- Duration: ~15min
- The final mandala is exhibited and later erased by robotic arm, symbolizing impermanence of existence. Drawings can be on a chalkboard or whiteboard for easier erasing.
Number of participants
Each mandala is ideally made by 6-10 participants due to the maximal printable area of the robotic arm, which is a circle with a radius of 44 cm. If there is greater interest, we could split participants into groups of up to 10.
Audience of the workshop
Generative artists, creative coders, robotic enthusiasts, architects, or anyone willing to explore new ways of drawing.
Specify any skillset that might be required by the audience
Basic knowledge of p5.js, Processing, or any other creative coding framework is helpful, but participants without prior coding knowledge are also welcome. We will cover the basics of drawing with p5.js in the first part of the workshop. Ideally, each participant should bring their own laptop with Visual Studio Code installed, but drawing can also be performed from mobile devices without coding, using touch gestures. Experience with pen plotters, 3D printing, or robotics is welcome but not necessary.
Workshop requirements
- We will use the UFactory Lite6, a portable desktop 6-axis robotic arm I own and bring with me (https://www.ufactory.cc/lite-6-collaborative-robot/).
- The robot can draw on common paper sizes (A4, A3), larger formats (like B0), or chalkboard/whiteboard for easier erasing. We can discuss and decide on the size and type of canvas for drawing.
- The robot comes with a power adapter and an Ethernet cable to connect it to the main station (likely my laptop, running robotic software and necessary servers). Participants should bring their PCs/Macs or tablets/phones if they prefer to draw with a digital pen or finger rather than code. All devices should be connected to a local area network.
- A projector or large TV monitor would be very useful for displaying the shared canvas and robotic controls from the main station.
- The robot should ideally be placed in the center, with participants sitting around it and facing it so they can follow what is being drawn. It can be attached in two ways: either screwed to a pedestal or with clamps.
- In addition to its own safety mechanisms (collision sensors and emergency stop button), a safety boundary around the robot should be established. The robot arm's reach is 44 cm, so only the canvas should be within that radius.