Augmented Reality

Read here about augmented reality applications relevant to tensegrity research.

Augmented Reality Tensegrity Analyzer, Chiba Universtiy

Gakuhito Hirasawa, Chiba University ,Ass.Prof. Computational Design by Tensegrity, released an augmented reality system and displayed it in 2013.

This AR support system for building construction was designed at the Hirasawa Lab, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University. The lab developed a new method, incorporating AR/MR technology, to help with constructing tensegrity structures. During the 2013 demonstration, they demonstrated the use of AR technology in creating a large curved surface composed of coupling several simple tensegrity units together.

The designers relate their work to an important concept in Japanese construction industry called “de-ki-ga-ta management”, which is paired with progress management. “De-ki-ga-ta” management is to check if the building has been constructed as properly as its initial design. By employing AR technology, you can easily compare the current construction site status and the initial design. The designers argue that AR technology makes it easier for people from an architectural background to adopt tensegrity structures practically, which they would have otherwise given up because of its design and constructional difficulties.

Website: http://www.eng.chiba-u.ac.jp/e-grad-school11.html

Comments by the designers

"We liked [tensegrity]] shape[s]] a lot. But things like this are difficult to design and build. So, we're using AR to support their construction. This structure consists of three-rod units. Here, we're using AR to help fabricate the units correctly. As you can see, the ends of these rods have red target marks on them. The marks are there to show whether the top is in the right position. I think you can see that this one is misaligned, but if we line it up, a different part gets out of alignment. In ways like this, tensegrity units involve a delicate balance of wire tensions. So, it's difficult to adjust their positions overall. If you pull this, then these match, but this one goes too far. It's really hard to adjust them while measuring them in the same way. So, the method we suggest is to build the structure while checking that the overall concept is correct, using AR to help. Currently, many of these objects are used as art installations. But we're doing research with the aim of utilizing such structures in architecture. For example, if this kind of tensegrity structure is used for the roofs of temporary booths, we think that would be really attractive. As a dream project, we think it would look great if pavilions and stadiums at the Tokyo Olympics had these roofs."

Links and References

Press release: http://www.diginfo.tv/v/13-0092-r-en.php