This workshop explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and digital co-crafting with robots.

Sumizuke is the traditional communication tool between carpenters, using graphical expressions and inscriptions to share all but the essential information for the manufacturing workflow. In this workshop, we will interpret sumizuke to serve as a physical augmentation interface between humans and robotic arms.

After learning about the design and marking principles of joints in traditional Japanese carpentry, participants will be introduced to computer vision techniques for marker recognition and geometrical interpretation, furthermore, a robotic control system using the COMPAS framework, that is used as the core of the MAS DFAB program of ETH Zürich.

Creating a unique marker system for a set of manufacturing rules, attendees will delve into the robotic milling of features based on a graphically assigned and traced design, learning how to integrate digital tools with physical craftsmanship to foster collaboration between human creativity and robotic precision in the crafting process.

This workshop extends the “Augmented Craftsmanship” project started at the Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zürich in 2024 through the Leading House Young Researcher Exchange Fellowship.