ESCHER

Project ESCHER was a collaboration between Virginia Tech robotics engineering Team Valor and the School of Visual Arts. ESCHER is a Humanoid robot developed by the DRPA Robotic Challenge (DRC) as a responder for any danger on board the U.S. Navy ships. ( The task was to utilize 3D visualization and 3D printing to fabricate a full-body suit of protective cover for ESCHER. The exterior panels of the robot need to identify the robot in its role while also allowing full mobility as it protects from impact, heat, and water damage. The process involves different stages of designing for color, form, and brand studies that inform changes to the visual appearance of ESCHER. The digitally modeled plates 3D printed from high heat resistance Ultem temperature plastic that compliments the original frame design of ESCHER while providing an appealing aesthetic. ESCHER was presented at the 2017 South by Southwest technology show in Austin, Texas, and displayed at the Pentagon.

Design Language Exploration

prototyping utilizing 3D printing