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11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric

I am writing this week's detail work under my NDA folder due to confidential work for TOYOTA.
I am only sharing the research and inspiration part here.

Learning outcomes

  • Research skills: the participant has acquired knowledge through references and Concept development
  • Design skills: the participant has learnt through sketches, 3D modeling, use of electronics, etc
  • Fabrication skills: the participant is capable of executing from file to production workflow, from 3D modelling to digital fabrication, electronics, materials
  • Process skills: Anyone can go through the process, understand it and reproduce it
  • Final outcome: The assignment is assembled and either complete or tested
  • Originality: Has the design been thought through and elaborated?

Student checklist

  • Research and document existing fabrication methods, machines and industries, add references, tutorials and sketches of the hardware you will make
  • Document the process of designing the files for your machine/machine-hack/tool and its fabrication including the assembly process
  • Document the schematic and the software source code (if any)
  • Document the parts and how to make your tool or machine
  • Document your BOM (Bill of materials): electronics, materials, their amount, etcetera (with references of the components)
  • Upload your 3D model and CAM files (if any)
  • Design, create and document a final outcome, a sample project of your process
  • Make a small video of the machine
  • Create an interface for controlling your machine (extra credit)

Research & Ideation

Kae Nagano's interactive work chant loom
I was deeply inspired by the concept of Kae's loom and its narrative of traditional paired work.

I was also genuinely surprised by Kae's initial idea for OS Hardware. She envisioned a gigantic loom, with longitudinal threads hanging from a high branch of a large tree, where children would toss the shuttle back and forth to weave the weft.

The result might include missed weaves or even fallen leaves woven into the fabric—but that imperfection would make it a truly one-of-a-kind cloth.

Her work reminded me of the importance of thinking outside the box, with a playful spirit.

Inspireing lecture from the lecture

Circular Knitting machine
circular knitting
Tufting
Tufting Tufting2 Tufting3

Inspiring Tools

The Toyoda Wooden Hand Loom is one of my most admired and favorite tools, invented by Sakichi Toyoda as his first creation.
Although it requires no energy other than human power, it incorporates numerous functions designed to prevent human error and ensure both product quality and safety.
It is thoughtfully designed with deep consideration for the person operating the machine.

This is the detail explanation how it works. (Japanese)