Christien Meindertsma
Christien Meindertsma’s flocks wobot pioneers 3D Printing with wool.
Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma unveils a revolutionary venture into wool-based manufacturing with the introduction of the Flocks Wobot. This groundbreaking robot, a collaborative creation with robotics company TFT, is not your typical 3D printer—it’s a transformative force that builds three-dimensional structures using wool.
In a departure from traditional 3D printing, the Flocks Wobot employs felting techniques to construct intricate woven volumes. This innovative approach allows the creation of woolen structures that are both strong and soft, opening new avenues in design and manufacturing. Meindertsma envisions a range of applications, including furniture, acoustic products, and insulation, harnessing the unique properties of wool.”The Wobot is a collaborative robot that makes it possible to build three-dimensional structures with wool industrially for the first time, without adding any material or using water in the felting process,” explains Meindertsma. The Flocks Wobot is a testament to the fusion of technology and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable material use.
Meindertsma’s wool exploration doesn’t stop here; it’s part of a broader initiative showcased at the Dutch Design Week and soon to be featured in her solo exhibition, “Christien Meindertsma: Re-forming Waste,” at the V&A in London. The exhibition will spotlight innovative approaches to material use, including the Flocks Wobot’s contribution to the world of wool-based design.
As the design world embraces the potential of 3D-printed wool structures, discussions around sustainable design, manufacturing, and the future of textiles are set to gain momentum. The Flocks Wobot represents a pioneering step towards more conscious and creative applications of wool, bringing together tradition and modernity in the realm of design and technology.
Christien Meindertsma invents technique for 3D printing with wool.
