Digitally Designed Stone Sculpting for Robotic Fabrication

In this chapter, we present case studies in digitally aided marble sculpting for robotic fabrication developed at the Digital Stone Project workshop. The residency brings together artists, architects, designers, researchers and technologists engaging in state-of-the-art digital tools for the realization of innovative works of art in stone. These projects were developed during the Digital Stone Project research residency during 2013 to 2018 and showcase the potential of novel input methodologies to drive creative processes in design, architecture and the arts. The case studies demonstrate both conceptual and technological development in the design process through 3D modelling, scanning and fabrication workflows, developing toolpaths, virtual reality, haptic interaction and reversible construction techniques. The chapter examines the value of robotic technologies in the design and construction process relative to collaborative crafting of the hand and machine. Accommodating for material tolerances and interrogating the implications of computational crafting in relation to Industry 4.0 and exploring the role of the artisan in machine crafted architectural components.