Diamandini, 2009-2014
Mari Velonaki created Diamandini as part of her Australian Research Council Fellowship Grant, with the aim of investigating the physicality that is possible and acceptable between a human and a robot.
Diamandini is an interactive humanoid robot that responds to the movement and touch of an interactant. The robot’s appearance is that of a sculptural figure with a porcelain-like finish, introducing a new aesthetic in robotics that is far removed from that of a stereotypical humanoid robot.
To achieve the ethereal gliding motion required for Diamandini, a novel omnidirectional motion base was invented and developed. The motion base has a patented mechanism to give pure rolling motion of the wheels when the motion base changes velocity or angular orientation.
Credits
Mari Velonaki: original concept, interface & interaction design
in collaboration with
David Rye: mechatronic systems design & integration
Mark Calleija: mechanical & electronics design
Cedric Wohlleber: lead programmer
Bruce Crundwell: mechanical fabrication
Supported by the Australian Research Council.
Created at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Australia.
Exhibited at
Uncontainable / Signs of Life, Taksim Cumhuriyet Sanat Galerisi, ISEA 2011, Istanbul, Turkey.
L. Aceti and K. Cleland (curators), 15 September - 10 October 2011.
Digital Weekend / London Design Festival, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK.
I. Papadimitriou (curator), 14 - 23 September 2012.
Robotronica, Old Government House, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
J. Parsons (curator), 18 August 2013.
Time & Motion: Redefining Working Life, FACT, Liverpool, UK.
M. Stubbs (curator), 12 December 2013 - 9 March 2014.