A THIRD HAND
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CREATIVE APPLICATIONS FOR ROBOTICS
Robotic arms have long been a common sight in many industries. They are currently making a rapid entry into art and design studios and practices. Yet, at the same time, difficulties remain in accessing the workflows and work methods demanded by these machines given a clear lack of reference resources. The research project “A Third Hand” uses applied case studies to explore and define a set of exemplary work methods, capable of both informing and inspiring future users.
The Research Project “A Third Hand – Creative Applications for Robotics” is conducted at ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland by AATB (Andrea Anner & Thibault Brevet), Alain Bellet and Martin Hertig.

Aims and Objectives
The aim of the project Creative Applications for Robotics is to propose a set of relevant examples of the uses of robotic arms along with some solutions to recurring problems, that can be tested, evaluated and implemented. We seek to offer a reference work for designers and artists prepared to work with robotic arms, whatever their level of expertise (professionals, students or researchers).
Our research goals can be summarised as follows:
- To develop a toolbox that describes what is involved in working with robotic arms and produce recommendations for an optimal choice of tools and methods suitable for a community of creators.
- To introduce designers and artists to robotic arms with a view to developing creative and inspirational projects.
- To stimulate interest in using these robots by developing inspirational examples of creative applications.
- To address potential points of friction arising from the use of these technologies by the creative community and offer possible solutions.
- To provide a reference resource for designers and artists willing to use these machines in their projects and processes.
CONTACT
Don’t hesitate to contact us: hello@third-hand.xyz