Better Factory is a project funded by the European Commission, which supports manufacturing SMEs to collaborate with artists and technology providers to develop new and personalised products. The artists in each team play a crucial role – here is what the artists mentored by Gluon are working on!
3DARTDESIGN — Nick Ervinck
The 3DARTDESIGN project explores possibilities for overused titanium through a robotic station developed by Lasram Engineering. The project aims to find new applications for the material while addressing the challenge of recycling. PREMET, a Hungarian manufacturer, uses and recycles medical grade titanium powder until it becomes overused. The project focuses on what to do with this material and involves Lasram Engineering and artist Studio Nick Ervinck.
SMARTENVELOPE — David Rickard
The SMARTENVELOPE project by artist David Rickard, aims to create a smarter security envelope. It focuses on three aspects of smartness: digital connectivity, sustainability, and envelope lifespan. The project involves Plast-Farb, a Polish manufacturer of security envelopes, and technology provider AND-TECH. Plast-Farb faces challenges due to the privatization of the postal services market and the shift from letters to parcels. The project explores the nature and purpose of envelopes and experiments with ways to enhance their smartness through collaboration with AND-TECH.
SMARTVIEW — Kristina Puleijkova
The SMARTVIEW project by artist Kristina Pulejkova, aims to develop a nature-inspired interface for cross-factory cooperation. The project views the factory as an ecosystem, exploring the complex interactions and relationships between humans and machines. Using immersive technologies and data analytics from Octavic, Pulejkova will create narratives around human-nature relationships within the factory. The project takes place at Famolde, a technologically advanced mold producer in Portugal, where challenges exist in worker engagement and cross-discipline collaboration. The project seeks innovative approaches to break down silos and improve employee engagement through the Better Factory project.
REFINE — NMASA Design (Javier Masa)
The REFINE project by NMASA Design (Javier Masa), focuses on reshoring the design, production, and innovation of scuba diving fins to SEACSUB, an Italian manufacturer. SEACSUB produces various aquatic equipment, including fins, some of which are currently produced overseas. The project aims to utilise technology from Canonical Robots and artistic experimentation to rethink and reshore the fins, reducing transport emissions, logistical issues, waste, and increasing innovation capacity. The project pushes the boundaries of the production of scuba diving fins by incorporating new materials and designs to minimize waste, energy, and water effects. The introduction of a collaborative robot into the factory will enable the production of artist-developed experiments.
