Robohub.org
 

“Space Jellyfish” created with traditional handicraft and high tech


by
20 January 2013



share this:
12-0198-n

Professor Yoichiro Kawaguchi of the University of Tokyo Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies is building a robot of a swimming jellyfish based on the theme of “space jellyfish.” To artistically express the ambience of a wriggling jellyfish, he selected the theme of a jellyfish swimming in space.

“I don’t believe there have been many soft-bodied creatures of this type that have been made into a robot. It requires creating numerous delicate movements. We put together simple configurations and focused on creating the elegant movements of the jellyfish. While skillfully integrating repeated wavering motions, for the future I would like to make it so that it can elicit various emotions. For this exhibit I would be satisfied to have people see both the design and movements.”

“This model is made of a ceramic pottery known as Satsuma porcelain. I once asked the most famous local Satsuma porcelain artisan named Chin Jukan to make a CG model for me. I thought this could be further improved, which has led to the current model made.”

Kawaguchi ultimately wants to make not just traditional handicraft but rather something capable of space travel.

“For the future I am thinking of incorporating traditional handicraft in the manufacturing process, so I am also considering lacquering. I am thinking of using previously unused combinations to draw out new possibilities.”

With an eye towards creating a new industry and exporting Japanese traditional handicrafts to the world, Kawaguchi is considering the incorporation of high tech in future product development.



tags:


DigInfo TV is a Tokyo-based online video news platform dedicated to producing original coverage of cutting edge technology, research and products from Japan.
DigInfo TV is a Tokyo-based online video news platform dedicated to producing original coverage of cutting edge technology, research and products from Japan.





Related posts :



Interview with Zahra Ghorrati: developing frameworks for human activity recognition using wearable sensors

and   08 Oct 2025
Zahra tells us more about her research on wearable technology.

Women in robotics you need to know about 2025

  06 Oct 2025
This global list celebrates women's impact across the robotics ecosystem and globe.

Robot Talk Episode 127 – Robots exploring other planets, with Frances Zhu

  03 Oct 2025
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Frances Zhu from the Colorado School of Mines about intelligent robotic systems for space exploration.

Rethinking how robots move: Light and AI drive precise motion in soft robotic arm

  01 Oct 2025
Researchers at Rice University have developed a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks.

RoboCup Logistics League: an interview with Alexander Ferrein, Till Hofmann and Wataru Uemura

and   25 Sep 2025
Find out more about the RoboCup league focused on production logistics and the planning.

Drones and Droids: a co-operative strategy game

  22 Sep 2025
Scottish Association for Marine Science is running a crowdfunding campaign for educational card game.

Call for AAAI educational AI videos

  22 Sep 2025
Submit your contributions by 30 November 2025.



 

Robohub is supported by:




Would you like to learn how to tell impactful stories about your robot or AI system?


scicomm
training the next generation of science communicators in robotics & AI


 












©2025.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence