The pocket-sized CNC robot, a joint project between technology studio Diatom and researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Computational Design Lab, can sketch and doodle while also possessing a unique depth engine that means it can accurately draw on 3D objects.
Doodles, laser cutting, and 3D printing
You can even change the tool head for small-scale laser cutting, 3D printing, and other drawing applications. Furthermore, due to its open sourced platform the possibilities of development are put in the hands of programmers and enthusiasts encouraging all to push the concept forward. Exactly how far the concept can develop is not just in the hands of the inventors, we could all make a difference.
A statement on Piccolo.cc explains the aim of the invention: “Piccolo is a pocket-sized stand-alone CNC platform. For under $70, you will be able to assemble your personal Arduino-compatible kit for tinkering, and playing with basic CNC output. Be it plotting a quick graffiti, printing a one-off business card on the fly, or multiple Piccolos working together to create a large mural, this kit provides a platform for experimenting with 2D or 3D digital fabrication at a small scale.
A depth of possibilities
“We are currently refining the Piccolo prototype into an open-source design that is simple, quick to assemble, and easy to use, and is entirely composed of digitally manufactured components and inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware.
“The Piccolo project includes Arduino and Processing libraries, to use Piccolo in a variety of ways such as moving autonomously or responding to sensors and data, whilst providing an accessible educational tool and a new output for Processing sketches.”
The concept asks a number of questions about the future relationship between technology and humans, but how the project progresses is purely down to how quickly people can develop software for the robot, so really, it’s over to you. Let us know how you get on.
