haystack labs

PROJECTS | NEW TECHNOLOGY | PARTICIPANTS | 2022 | 2021

In 2021, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts partnered with the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms to launch an innovative research program, Haystack Labs. This initiative is designed to foster synergy among artists, designers, material scientists, machine builders, and coders. Together, they converge at Haystack’s campus and studios, exploring the intersection of cutting-edge technologies and conventional studio craft. Year after year, the program's reach has extended, drawing an increasingly varied community from both craft and digital fabrication spheres. To date, around 60 distinct participants have been at the forefront of novel projects. These initiatives spotlight how artists can deftly meld craft into their work and the ways machine, tool, and software designers can best support creative artisans. Below are the highlights from the most recent event, held from July 8th to 13th, which welcomed nearly 40 participants.

 

Projects

 

Electronic Music & Robotics

This project blends technology and music, crafting innovative robotic instruments for unique soundscapes.

 

Wooden Origami

This project explored the use of laser cutting and scoring oak veneer to create 3D origami-like sculptures.

 

Biomaterials: OysterClay

This project explored the use of oyster shells to develop biomaterials, which were casted into objects using 3D printed molds.

 

QaRt

This project explored using generative AI tools to create workflows for digital fabrication and 3D clay printing.

 

CNC Knitting

3D Ceramics

New Technology

 

A goal of Haystack Labs is to evaluate and experiment with emergent technologies and machines to determine their overall utility and role in craft disciplines .

 

CLAY 3D PRINTER

Delta WASP 40100

Continuous Feeding System

ROBOTIC ARMS

myCobot

ABB IRB

Other Technologies

3D Scanning 

MakerPro Mole  Einstar 3D Scanner

Direct Driven Cutter 

Cricut Maker 3 

VACUUM FORMER

Vacucu3D

VIRTUAL REALITY

Meta Quest 2

MOVING BED 3D PRINTER

SainSmart INFI-20

 

Presentations & Conversations

 

Each evening of the program, participants delivered 5-minute presentations about their work and background.

All presentations were video recorded and will be published later this summer.

 

Participants

 

Partners

This program is in partnership with the MIT Center for Bits & Atoms.

ORGANIZATIONS

Haystack Labs hosts a diverse group of experts from various professional domains. Below is a list of the organizations and institutions represented by the participants.

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Harvard Graduate School of Design

  • Yale University

  • Center for Design Research (CDR) at Virginia Tech

  • University of Warwick

  • University of Michigan

  • Forest Scientific

  • New Balance

  • Ferrero

  • Incite Focus

  • Topologic

  • WASP