Speck Design partnered with Google's Schaft Robotics to create a functional skin for the Schaft robot. The project aimed to provide a protective layer for the robot, while also conveying the robot's personality through an appealing visual design. This required close collaboration with Schaft Robotics' core development team in Tokyo, Japan, and the California-based team to ensure seamless communication and alignment of goals.
The Schaft robot was rapidly evolving at the time of the project, and Speck Design started working on version 1.5. With a design inspired by the Patlabor anime and manga franchise, the robot was intended for indoor use but expected to undergo a variety of tasks and challenges as it developed further. Speck Design was entrusted with two primary objectives:
Additionally, the functional skin needed to be robust and user-friendly, with the ability to be easily removed and reapplied by researchers. The project also required low volume manufacturing and assembly techniques to produce an initial 200 units.
Speck Design worked closely with the Schaft team to converge on a design strategy that addressed both the practical needs of the robot and its visual appeal. Remote collaboration tools, Japanese-speaking staff, and multiple trips to Japan ensured efficient communication and coordination throughout the iterative development process.
Through diligent teamwork and a deep understanding of the Schaft robot's needs, Speck Design successfully created a functional skin that met the desired specifications. The final design not only provided protection to the robot from potential damage but also brought its unique personality to life. The project demonstrated Speck Design's expertise in crafting innovative solutions and their commitment to fostering productive collaboration with their clients.
Speck Design partnered with Google's Schaft Robotics to create a functional skin for the Schaft robot. The project aimed to provide a protective layer for the robot, while also conveying the robot's personality through an appealing visual design. This required close collaboration with Schaft Robotics' core development team in Tokyo, Japan, and the California-based team to ensure seamless communication and alignment of goals.
The Schaft robot was rapidly evolving at the time of the project, and Speck Design started working on version 1.5. With a design inspired by the Patlabor anime and manga franchise, the robot was intended for indoor use but expected to undergo a variety of tasks and challenges as it developed further. Speck Design was entrusted with two primary objectives:
Additionally, the functional skin needed to be robust and user-friendly, with the ability to be easily removed and reapplied by researchers. The project also required low volume manufacturing and assembly techniques to produce an initial 200 units.
Speck Design worked closely with the Schaft team to converge on a design strategy that addressed both the practical needs of the robot and its visual appeal. Remote collaboration tools, Japanese-speaking staff, and multiple trips to Japan ensured efficient communication and coordination throughout the iterative development process.
Through diligent teamwork and a deep understanding of the Schaft robot's needs, Speck Design successfully created a functional skin that met the desired specifications. The final design not only provided protection to the robot from potential damage but also brought its unique personality to life. The project demonstrated Speck Design's expertise in crafting innovative solutions and their commitment to fostering productive collaboration with their clients.
Speck Design partnered with Google's Schaft Robotics to create a functional skin for the Schaft robot. The project aimed to provide a protective layer for the robot, while also conveying the robot's personality through an appealing visual design. This required close collaboration with Schaft Robotics' core development team in Tokyo, Japan, and the California-based team to ensure seamless communication and alignment of goals.
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