2. Digital bodies¶

Idea, Inspiration, and Concept¶

This project started with inspiration from mannequin light fixtures. I found them fascinating because of how they combine the human form with light in such a striking way. That got me thinking about creating something interactive—not just an art piece, but one that tells a meaningful story.

The concept I landed on is about the balance between using our minds and our hearts when making decisions. The design is meant to show how important it is to use both. When only one is turned on—either the brain or the heart—it lights up red, symbolizing that something is missing. But when both are turned on together, they glow white, representing balance, clarity, and the power of combining logic and emotion.

This idea makes the project more than just a cool-looking sculpture. It becomes something people can interact with and think about. By simply flipping switches, the person interacting with it becomes part of the story. The light shining through the torso brings the message to life in a way that’s simple but meaningful.

The goal was to blend art, technology, and a bit of storytelling to create something that’s not just visually interesting but also thought-provoking. It’s a piece that encourages reflection while showing off the possibilities of digital fabrication and electronics.

Downloading and Using MakeHuman¶

To start this project, I needed a 3D model of a human body that I could customize to fit the design concept. MakeHuman was the perfect tool for this because it’s user-friendly, free, and provides a lot of flexibility to create detailed human models. It also exports files in formats compatible with other software like Fusion 360, which made it easy to integrate into my workflow.

Setting Up MakeHuman¶

I began by downloading and installing MakeHuman from its official website. The installation process was straightforward, and I quickly got started creating my model. MakeHuman’s interface is intuitive, with sliders and preset options that make it simple to adjust the appearance of the model.

Creating the Male Body Model¶

For this project, I focused on creating a male body. Here’s how I went about it:

Choosing the Base Model
I selected the default male base model as my starting point.
Adjusting Features
Using the sliders in the “Modeling” tab, I fine-tuned the proportions of the body. I adjusted elements like height, build, and facial features to achieve a balanced and realistic look.
Refining Details
In the "Details" section, I added subtle changes to the face and body to make the model more natural. This wasn’t strictly necessary for the project but helped make the final output look more polished.
Exporting the Model
Once I was happy with the model, I exported it as an OBJ file, which is a format compatible with Fusion 360. I ensured that the settings preserved the scale and proportions for easy editing later.

This initial step gave me a solid foundation for the rest of the project. MakeHuman made it easy to create a human model that I could modify and adapt for my design, saving time and effort compared to building a model from scratch.

Editing the Model in Fusion 360¶

With the male body model exported from MakeHuman, the next step was to refine it in Fusion 360 to prepare it for slicing and fabrication. Fusion 360 is a versatile tool that allowed me to modify the model with precision and create the design features I envisioned.

Importing the Model¶

The first step was importing the OBJ file into Fusion 360. Here's how I did it:

Import Process
I opened Fusion 360 and selected the “Insert Mesh” option to load the OBJ file.
After the model was imported, I positioned it in the workspace and adjusted the orientation so the torso was upright.
Mesh to Solid Conversion
Since Fusion 360 works more effectively with solid bodies, I converted the imported mesh into a solid. This involved reducing the polygon count using the “Reduce” tool and then converting the cleaned-up mesh to a T-spline body.

Editing the Model¶

Once the model was ready, I began editing it to fit the concept of the project:

Removing Limbs
Using the Cut tool, I carefully sliced away the limbs, leaving only the torso and head intact. I chose a straight cut at the shoulders and waist for a clean, simplified look.
To ensure the cuts were precise, I used construction planes as reference guides.
Scaling the Model
To fit the final design within the dimensions of the material I planned to use, I scaled the model down proportionally. The Scale tool in Fusion 360 made this easy, allowing me to set a uniform scaling factor.
Creating the Cavity
To create the cavity within the torso for housing the acrylic heart, brain models, and LED lights, I used the following process:
Copying and Scaling the Model:
I started by creating a duplicate of the torso model. Using the Scale tool, I scaled down the duplicate to fit snugly inside the original model. The scaled-down copy represented the inner boundary of the cavity.
Cutting the Cavity:
With the scaled-down model positioned inside the original, I used the Cut tool in the Combine menu. This operation subtracted the smaller model from the larger one, leaving behind a hollow cavity inside the torso.
Refining the Cavity:
After creating the cavity, I checked the thickness of the remaining walls to ensure they were sturdy enough to support the structure. I adjusted the scaling factor slightly if needed to maintain balance between space and strength.
Final Adjustments
After completing the edits, I smoothed the surfaces and checked for any irregularities. I used the “Inspect” tool to ensure the model was watertight and ready for slicing.

Reflection¶

Editing the model in Fusion 360 was a crucial step that allowed me to transform the original human model into the interactive art piece I envisioned. The ability to refine the model, scale it, and add features like the cavity made Fusion 360 an indispensable tool for this project.

Slicing the Model and Preparing for Fabrication¶

After editing the torso in Fusion 360, the next step was to slice the model into layers that could be laser cut and assembled. The slicing process was key to achieving both the structural and visual aspects of the design. I also imported STL models of a brain and heart to complement the torso, making the project more interactive and meaningful.

Choosing Material Thickness¶

For the torso, I decided to use MDF as the primary material. After testing a few options, I selected 3mm MDF for its balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of cutting. For the brain and heart models, I chose 4mm acrylic because it can diffuse light well, making the illumination effect more prominent.

Slicing the Torso¶

Exploring Slicing Options
Using Fusion Slicer, I tested different slicing methods, including stacked slices, cross-sectional slices, and radial slices.
After experimenting with each option, I found that radial slices offered the best visual appearance. The curved lines created by this method gave the torso an organic and striking look, which complemented the concept of the project.
Finding the Perfect Balance
I played with the number of slices to find the sweet spot. My goal was to retain enough detail to showcase the human form while keeping the number of slices minimal to ensure clear visibility inside the cavity.
This balance was crucial to achieving both structural integrity and a clean view of the illuminated brain and heart inside the torso.
Finalizing the Slices
Once satisfied with the settings, I exported the sliced design as vector files, ready for laser cutting.

Adding the Brain and Heart Models¶

Importing STL Models
I downloaded STL files of the brain and heart from Thingiverse. These models provided intricate details that added a layer of realism to the project.
Scaling and Positioning
I scaled both models to fit perfectly inside the cavity of the torso, ensuring they were proportional and aligned with the design.
Slicing the Models
For the brain and heart, I opted for the stacked slices method using 4mm acrylic. This slicing method allowed the pieces to stack into a solid shape that could diffuse light effectively.
The transparent acrylic ensures that the LEDs inside will make the brain and heart glow, enhancing the visual impact of the design.

Reflection¶

This phase of the project was crucial in translating the digital designs into physical components. The choice of radial slices for the torso and stacked slices for the brain and heart not only improved the visual appeal but also aligned with the functional requirements of the project. Balancing detail, material efficiency, and visibility was a rewarding challenge that brought the design closer to life.

Designing the Base in SketchUp¶

For the base of the project, I wanted a simple, functional design to house the electronics, wiring, and power supply. I chose SketchUp for this task because the design was straightforward—a rectangular box—and SketchUp’s Box Joint Extension made creating the joints fast and easy.

Why SketchUp?¶

SketchUp was an ideal choice for this part of the project because: - The design of the base was simple, and SketchUp’s intuitive interface made it quick to draft the box. - The Box Joint Extension allowed me to add box joints with minimal effort, ensuring the base would be sturdy and easy to assemble.

Designing the Box¶

Here’s how I designed the base:

Creating the Box
I started by sketching a rectangular base with dimensions slightly larger than the torso to provide stability.
Using the Box Joint Extension, I added interlocking joints to the edges of the box, ensuring a secure fit for assembly.
Adding Openings for Switches
Knowing that I needed to incorporate buttons to control the LEDs, I added two circular openings to the front face of the box.
These openings were positioned for easy access and sized to fit the switches snugly.
Finalizing the Design
I checked the dimensions and alignment of all parts to ensure they would fit together correctly during assembly.
Once satisfied, I exported the design as vector files for laser cutting.

Reflection¶

Using SketchUp for the base design was a practical choice due to the simplicity of the design and the convenience of the Box Joint Extension. The process was efficient, and the resulting base provided a sturdy and accessible enclosure for the project’s electronics.

Nesting and Laser Cutting¶

Once all the designs were finalized, the next step was to prepare them for laser cutting. This involved importing the files into Rhino, nesting them efficiently to minimize material waste, and using the appropriate settings for cutting MDF and acrylic.

Importing and Preparing Files in Rhino¶

Importing the Designs
I imported all the designs for the project—including the torso, heart, brain, and base—into Rhino. Each file was imported as a DXF to maintain compatibility and precision.
Nesting for Efficiency
To make the best use of the material, I rearranged and nested the components efficiently within the available material area.
Proper nesting ensured minimal waste and reduced the overall cutting time.
Joining Paths
I joined the individual paths in Rhino to ensure the laser cutter would follow continuous lines without unnecessary stops, which improved cutting speed and accuracy.

Laser Cutter Settings¶

For cutting the designs, I used a Trotec Laser Cutter. The materials used were 3mm MDF for the torso and base, and 4mm acrylic for the brain and heart. The following settings were used:

MDF Settings
Speed: 25%
Power: 80%
Passes: 1
Acrylic Settings
Speed: 20%
Power: 85%
Passes: 1

Laser Cutting Process¶

Preparing the Material
I inserted the sheets of MDF and acrylic into the laser cutter and ensured they were flat and properly aligned.
Using the Trotec’s built-in tools, I focused the laser to the correct height for precise cutting.
Starting the Cutting Process
With the correct settings selected, I sent the files to the laser cutter and started the cutting process.
The process was straightforward and efficient, with the laser following the paths exactly as designed.
Post-Cutting
After the cutting was complete, I carefully removed the pieces and inspected them to ensure clean edges and accurate cuts.

Reflection¶

The laser cutting process was simple and smooth thanks to proper preparation in Rhino and the precise settings of the Trotec Laser Cutter. Efficient nesting minimized waste and reduced the cost of materials, while the laser's accuracy ensured all parts fit together perfectly during assembly.

Assembly¶

With all the components cut and prepared, the next step was to assemble the project. This involved piecing together the MDF torso, gluing the acrylic brain and heart models, and attaching all components to the base. Here’s how I approached each part of the assembly process.

Assembling the Torso¶

Fitting the Pieces
The torso pieces had a tight fit between all the joints, which meant minimal glue was needed.
I used the markings on the pieces, provided by the Fusion Slicer, to guide the assembly process. This made it feel like assembling a large 3D puzzle.
Using the Instructions
Following the instructions from the Fusion Slicer, the process was mostly straightforward. The clear labeling and alignment markings helped ensure each piece was placed correctly.
Final Touches
After assembling the torso, I checked for any loose joints and applied small amounts of glue where necessary to secure the structure.

Assembling the Brain and Heart¶

Organizing the Pieces
The brain and heart models consisted of many small acrylic pieces. Since both models were symmetrical, I divided the parts into pairs to simplify the assembly process.
I assembled two halves of the brain and two halves of the heart, using the markings and instructions from the Fusion Slicer as a guide.
Gluing the Acrylic
To join the acrylic pieces, I used chloroform as an adhesive. This required extreme care and safety precautions due to its potency.
After carefully aligning the pieces, I applied the chloroform to create strong, clean bonds.

Assembling the Base¶

Building the Box
The base was simple to assemble using fast-setting glue. The box joint design ensured a snug fit, making the process quick and efficient.
I left the top of the box unattached so I could easily add the electronics and wiring later.

Final Assembly and Integration¶

Attaching the Brain and Heart
Initially, I considered using small MDF pieces to attach the brain and heart to the torso. However, I wanted them to appear as if they were floating inside.
To achieve this effect, I suspended the brain and heart using thin fishing wire. The wire was threaded through the models and securely glued to the torso structure. With the correct lighting, the fishing wire became nearly invisible, enhancing the floating effect.
Mounting the Torso on the Base
Once the torso was fully assembled, I glued it to the top of the base. The connection was secure and aligned perfectly with the design.

Reflection¶

The assembly process was a mix of careful planning and problem-solving. The precise markings and instructions from the Fusion Slicer made assembling the torso and acrylic models manageable, despite the complexity. The decision to use fishing wire for the brain and heart added a striking visual effect, making the components appear to float. The base provided a stable foundation while allowing easy access for adding the electronics later.

Electronics and LED Control¶

The interactive lighting system for this project uses two sets of LEDs, each consisting of three RGB LEDs cut from a NeoPixel strip. The LEDs are controlled by two switches, allowing independent control of each set. Here’s how I implemented the system:

Setting Up the Electronics¶

Designing the Circuit
The circuit uses two buttons to control two separate sets of LEDs.
Each LED set contains three LEDs connected to an Arduino through their respective control pins.
Testing the Circuit
I first tested the circuit on a breadboard to ensure the wiring and logic were correct.
Once everything worked as expected, I moved on to soldering.
Soldering the Components
I cut the RGB LED strip into sections of three LEDs each and soldered wires to connect them to the Arduino.
The switches were also soldered with pull-up resistors, ensuring reliable input detection.

Writing the Code¶

To control the LEDs, I wrote the following Arduino code using the Adafruit NeoPixel library. The code enables the following functionality: - Each button controls one LED strip.
- If only one button is pressed, the corresponding LED strip lights up in red.
- If both buttons are pressed simultaneously, both LED strips light up in white.
- If neither button is pressed, both LED strips remain off.

Arduino Code¶

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#ifdef _AVR_
#include <avr/power.h> // Required for 16 MHz Adafruit Trinket
#endif

#define PIN_NEO_PIXEL_1  13  // Pin for the first NeoPixel strip
#define PIN_NEO_PIXEL_2  12  // Pin for the second NeoPixel strip
#define NUM_PIXELS       3   // Number of LEDs on each NeoPixel strip

Adafruit_NeoPixel NeoPixel1(NUM_PIXELS, PIN_NEO_PIXEL_1, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);  // First NeoPixel strip
Adafruit_NeoPixel NeoPixel2(NUM_PIXELS, PIN_NEO_PIXEL_2, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);  // Second NeoPixel strip

int SW1 = 5;  // Button for NeoPixel1
int SW2 = 4;  // Button for NeoPixel2
int swv1 = 0;
int swv2 = 0;

void setup() {
  NeoPixel1.begin();
  NeoPixel1.clear();
  NeoPixel1.show();

  NeoPixel2.begin();
  NeoPixel2.clear();
  NeoPixel2.show();

  pinMode(SW1, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(SW2, INPUT_PULLUP);
}

void loop() {
  swv1 = digitalRead(SW1);
  swv2 = digitalRead(SW2);

  if (swv1 == HIGH) {
    NeoPixel1.clear();
    NeoPixel1.show();
  } else {
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_PIXELS; i++) {
      NeoPixel1.setPixelColor(i, NeoPixel1.Color(255, 0, 0));
    }
    NeoPixel1.show();
  }

  if (swv2 == HIGH) {
    NeoPixel2.clear();
    NeoPixel2.show();
  } else {
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_PIXELS; i++) {
      NeoPixel2.setPixelColor(i, NeoPixel2.Color(255, 0, 0));
    }
    NeoPixel2.show();
  }

  if (swv1 == LOW && swv2 == LOW) {
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_PIXELS; i++) {
      NeoPixel1.setPixelColor(i, NeoPixel1.Color(250, 250, 250));
      NeoPixel2.setPixelColor(i, NeoPixel2.Color(250, 250, 250));
    }
    NeoPixel1.show();
    NeoPixel2.show();
  } else {
    NeoPixel1.clear();
    NeoPixel1.show();
    NeoPixel2.clear();
    NeoPixel2.show();
  }
}

Final Integration¶

Installing the LEDs
The soldered LED strips were positioned inside the cavity of the torso, aligned to illuminate the brain and heart models.
Wiring the Switches
The switches were installed into the circular openings on the base and connected to the Arduino.
Testing the System
I tested the entire system to ensure the LEDs responded correctly to the switches and all connections were secure.

Reflection¶

This setup allowed for an intuitive and interactive lighting system, enhancing the concept of the project. The soldering process and integration of the NeoPixel strips were straightforward, and the code provided flexibility for further customization.

Final Outcome and Thoughts¶

The Completed Project¶

The final result was a visually striking and interactive art piece combining digital fabrication, electronics, and storytelling. The illuminated brain and heart, suspended within the MDF torso, created a captivating "floating" effect, enhanced by the RGB LEDs controlled via two switches. This design effectively conveyed the concept of balancing logic and emotion in decision-making.

Reflection on the Process¶

What Worked Well
Fusion Slicer instructions made assembly straightforward.
The use of fishing wire achieved the desired floating effect for the brain and heart.
Efficient nesting minimized material waste, and the laser cutting process was precise.
SketchUp's Box Joint Extension simplified the base design.
Challenges and Solutions
Small Acrylic Pieces: Organized assembly in pairs made the process manageable.
Safe Use of Chloroform: Careful handling and safety precautions ensured a smooth gluing process.
Suspension Mechanism: Testing materials led to the successful use of fishing wire for a near-invisible support system.
Lessons Learned
Proper organization and testing save time and improve results.
Material choices significantly impact visual and functional outcomes.
Early experimentation helps refine the design and avoid later issues.

Potential Improvements¶

Enhance lighting effects with additional LEDs or diffusers.
Create jigs or templates to simplify assembly of intricate pieces.
Add interactive elements like touch or proximity sensors for greater engagement.

Project Impact¶

This project was a rewarding exploration of art, technology, and design. It showcased how digital tools and physical materials can be combined to create meaningful and interactive pieces. The experience deepened my skills in digital fabrication and inspired me to continue experimenting with electronics and design.