In preparation for this summer’s “Engineering the World” season, which will open next month, Kuka has moved into V&A’s main courtyard.
Kuka might look similar to something you might see on a car assembly line, but she will be tasked with not just creating new sections for the “Elytra Filament Pavilion” as well as responding to how visitors use the Pavilion.
And it has an undulating canopy made of carbon fibre cells, woven by this robot #vamEngineeringSeason #pressview pic.twitter.com/IyawTPYG5n
— V&A (@V_and_A) May 18, 2016
Kuka has woven strips of carbon and glass fibre into 40 hexagonal cells which form the primary structure of the Pavillion. Each cell takes around 3 hours to create. Visitors will be able to watch as new cells are created and added to the structure on certain days throughout the summer.
The cells are both exceptionally lightweight, weighing only 45kgs, and durable, with an expected lifespan of 50 years. The technique used could allow rapid construction of structures ranging from stadiums to shelters for humanitarian relief.
To find out more about the exhibition visit Engineering the World
The “Engineering the World” Exhibition will focus on Ove Arup’s philosophy of “total design” and will include previously unseen archival materials for projects such as the Sydney Opera House alongside recent prototypes and digital animations by Arup, the global engineering consultancy.
The V&A is also running a lecture on “Biomimicry and Design” on Friday 17 June 2016, 14.00 – 17.30. Tickets should be booked in advance
The Elytra Filament Pavilion is at the V&A in London 18 May – 6 November
