Luis Pacheco, also known as Luigi, shared insights about Animaquina, tracing its evolution from early experiments in robot rigging using Blender’s Python API to practical applications, highlighting how Geometry Nodes became central to the project’s technical framework. As an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University’s School of Architecture and the director of the Interactive Machines Lab, Luis combined his architectural background with a passion for technology. His immersion in digital fabrication began in the early 2010s with the creation of MakerMex, a pioneering desktop 3D printer company in Mexico.
MakerMex developed tools like MakerScad, a user-friendly visual programming platform aimed at making 3D design accessible to children. Luis’s Blender journey started in architecture school when he had to quickly transition to Linux and discovered Blender as a reliable tool for 3D work. As he ventured into industrial robotics, his desire to integrate them with Blender led to the birth of Animaquina, which subsequently became the focal point of his doctoral research.
The project’s evolution was marked by experimentation with Blender’s Python API and the realization that Blender’s animation tools, including IK, constraints, drivers, and Geometry Nodes, offered a robust platform for robot programming. Animaquina’s versatility was underscored by its application in real-world projects like the Dancing Columns exhibition and a column showcased at the Venice Biennale. Animaquina is now in open beta, facilitating research across various robotic platforms.
Geometry Nodes played a pivotal role in refining fabrication workflows. Luis utilized it for tasks such as surface slicing, collision avoidance, toolpath generation, visualization, and robot simulation. With Geometry Nodes, attributes such as speed and extrusion rate can be assigned to points along a path, enhancing fabrication precision. The procedural nature of the workflow allows seamless updates to robot paths when design modifications are made.
Puppet Mode within Blender enables real-time robot control through animation tools, revolutionizing the iteration process. Luis is currently exploring the integration of live sensor data into Blender for responsive robot actions. Additionally, he developed FabNodes, an add-on for generating G-code and fabrication workflows, and an MQTT add-on for communicating with hardware.
Overcoming challenges related to different robot manufacturers, Luis focused on simplifying interfaces to empower designers and artists. He emphasized leveraging Blender’s extensibility through Python integration, enabling the creation of a comprehensive robotics development environment. The evolution of Animaquina epitomizes the burgeoning capabilities accessible to developers today, driven by tools like Blender, Python, and open-source communities.
Emphasizing a step-by-step approach to software development, Luis encourages tackling one problem at a time. Animaquina’s open beta currently supports KUKA, Universal Robots, and UFactory robots, with plans to include ABB support. Those interested in exploring Animaquina can sign up for the beta. Luis continues to share updates, tutorials, and enhancements as the project progresses.
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