Wool Tools
Robotic Felting
Wool Tools is an ongoing research project by Atelier Luma in collaboration with AATB. It intends to examine the needle felting technology by combining it with the benefits of robotic manufacturing. What impact may new technologies have on how we process wool? The project investigates new possibilities for the treatment and aesthetics of felted wool through the creation of new hardware and software.
The robotic felt-production is the consequence of a customised technique of hard and software functionalities. The motorised felting tool at the end of the robot allows to modify the number of needles as well as the pattern in which they are arranged. As a result, the stroke size of the felted pattern might range from one point to several centimeters. The software can handle various data inputs such as SVG, PNG, and JSON. This enables a modular digital manufacturing process, which may still be modified by adjusting the hardware parameters. Wool Tools seeks a balance between digitally controlled tools and conventional felting techniques.
