Robutter—Between handcraft and industrial production


Critical Design, 2015


Making of “Robutter”


A full container full of cream is attached to the robot arm tool-head by using a custom-made piece of wood that holds a tension belt. A unique programmed  motion sequence will shake the tank for 10 to 15 minutes.
         By finding the right amount of horizontal rotation and vertical movement to separate the buttermilk from the butter, the butter becomes creamy and delicate.
        Robutter is now wrung out, nicely packaged and ready to be enjoyed.


But why?


Robutter is not intended as a commercial product. It was a short-term experiment which explores the line between handcraft and industrial production.
        Does the fact that we used a robot to automate a certain task take away or add value to the product? Can you take a machine intended for mass production and use it to make a limited-edition product?


Credits


Idea & Production: Stephan Bogner, Philipp Schmitt, Jonas Voigt, Moritz Wagner
Packaging: Jonas Voigt
Video: Jonas Voigt (Fujifilm X100s)
Robot Programming: Moritz Wagner
Butter Whipping: Dirk (Fanuc 200iC/5H)



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