Creative robotics
through mark-making.
In this 4-day intensive workshop, participants learn the fundamentals of creative robotics using drawing machines as an accessible, hands-on platform. Through structured experiments with pen plotters, participants explore machine anatomy, data-driven mark-making, real-time interactive control, and the creative possibilities that emerge when humans and machines collaborate.
The arc of the workshop.
The workshop progresses from foundational drawing techniques to real-time interaction to open-ended experimentation — culminating in a challenge to rethink pen plotters as general-purpose creative robots. The workshop concludes with a structured exhibition and documentation session to share discoveries and capture outcomes.
- Drawing machine anatomy & mechanics
- Data interpretation & creative workflows for machine drawing
- Mark-making tools & techniques for plotters
- Real-time interactive control & sensor integration
- Human-robot creative collaboration & artistic risk
- Repurposing plotters as general-purpose creative robots
- Hands-on experimentation & prototyping
By the end you'll understand…
- How drawing machines read, interpret, and execute data as physical marks.
- Creative workflows for designing and iterating with pen plotters.
- Techniques for real-time interactive control of drawing machines.
- Strategies for repurposing plotters beyond drawing — treating them as programmable robots.
- Best practices for collaborating with machines in a creative context.
Drawing machines (provided)
ACRO A1 · ACRO 1515 · AxiDraw
Consumables
A variety of papers, mark-making tools, and prototyping supplies are provided.
No prior experience with robotics, programming, or drawing machines is necessary. Participants without prior experience can use pre-built tools and sensor interfaces to interact with the machines.
- Familiarity with vector graphics software (Inkscape, Illustrator, Fresco) is helpful but not required.
- Familiarity with 3D / creative coding environments (Unity, Blender, p5.js) is helpful but not required.
Required · Laptop computer
Four mornings together.
Each session is a three-hour block from 09:30 to 12:30, mixing short lectures, demos at the machines, and open studio time. Day 4's exhibition timing is set with the cohort once we know the work.