Robotic arm depositing material to build a layered freeform object


Material
Prompts

Exploring Human–AI Interaction in Emerging Robotic Fabrication Contexts

Half day · Hands-on making

Robotic fabrication research · Image source: Griffith University & Anthony Franzè

Format
Half-day workshop · 12–16 participants
Workshop date
22 November 2026 (tentative)
Application deadline
12 November 2026

About the workshop

Human intention.
AI interpretation.
Machine action.
Material change.

How might AI support human decision-making as robotic 3D printing processes unfold?

Robotic 3D printing may appear precise and automated, yet deposited material can sag, shift, accumulate, or behave unexpectedly as an artefact takes shape. These moments call for situated judgement: whether to pause, correct, adapt, continue, or preserve an unexpected outcome.

In this half-day workshop, we explore human–AI interaction through hands-on making, speculative role-play, optional LLM consultation, and a low-fidelity robotic 3D-printing enactment. We will consider when AI assistance is useful, generative, unnecessary, or best avoided and how people might question, redirect, reject, or build upon its proposals.Together, we will develop a vocabulary of interaction patterns and communication needs to inform future AI-assisted fabrication interfaces and workflows

We use making and role-play as design probes. The workshop does not test a functioning AI or robotic system.

01

Map the possibilities.

Explore how AI could support, disrupt, or extend robotic 3D printing and what should remain under human control.

02

Make & negotiate.

Build with irregular materials and 3D pens, first through human collaboration, then with speculative AI assistance.

03

Enact the process.

Introduce constrained movement and deposition rules to explore intervention in a robotic 3D printing scenario.

04

Name the interactions.

Reflect together and develop a preliminary vocabulary of interaction patterns and communication needs.

Programme

A morning of
making & reflection.

Provisional programme
09:00–12:30 · Timing to be confirmed

Provisional half-day workshop programme
TimeActivity
09:00Welcome & opening provocationAcknowledgement of Country, workshop aims, materials, roles and methods.
09:20Mapping AI in fabrication contextsMind-map possible AI roles, moments of involvement and concerns about control and agency.
09:40Speculative making with AI assistanceCollaborative making, followed by maker-requested or pre-emptive AI assistance.
10:30Morning tea
10:45Low-fidelity robotic 3D-printing enactmentConstrained deposition, changing material conditions, speculative AI responses and optional LLM consultation.
11:45Interaction mapping & group synthesisCompare experiences and identify recurring interaction patterns and communication needs.
12:20Closing reflectionConsolidate the vocabulary and discuss next steps.
12:30Workshop concludes

Who can take part

Different perspectives.
Shared exploration.

For researchers, designers, makers and practitioners curious about human–AI interaction.

We welcome perspectives from HCI, design, creative practice, architecture, robotics, social science and related fields. Approximately 12–16 participants will work in groups of three or four, supported by facilitators.

No prior experience with robotic 3D printing or AI systems is required. Participants will explore roles including Maker, Material Handler, Robotic Printer Enactor and AI Agent.

Participate in a way that works for you.

Contribute through making, observing or reflecting. Materials and devices are provided, and LLM use is optional: no personal device or account is required. To discuss participation or accessibility needs, contact Anthony.

Organisers

Meet the organisers.

Anthony Franzè

Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University & QUT

Product and user experience design; design-led research exploring AI, robotics, XR and human–robot collaboration.

Wei Win Loy

Queensland University of Technology

Human-centred design, augmented reality and cyber-physical systems for participatory design and making.

Jasper Vermeulen

QUT · Australian Cobotics Centre

Human factors and the embodied, social and spatial coordination of human–robot collaboration.

Müge Belek Fialho Teixeira

Queensland University of Technology

Design robotics, computational design, and architectural and robotic fabrication at CARL.

Glenda Amayo Caldwell

Queensland University of Technology

Human-centred and socio-technical approaches to architectural robotics, design, construction and HCI.

Yuan Liu

QUT · Australian Cobotics Centre

Immersive, spatial and interactive technologies for the design of human–robot collaboration.

Vincent Moug

Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University

Product and user experience design, additive manufacturing, sustainable materiality and reflective making.

Join the conversation

Bring your perspective.
Explore what emerges.

Submit an expression of interest of approximately 250–300 words outlining your research or practice and responding to the prompts in the application form.

Optional: after completing the form, email a sketch, image, diagram or example to a.franze@griffith.edu.au, illustrating a material situation or interaction challenge you would like to explore.

Apply via Microsoft Forms

Questions? Email Anthony Franzè.

Expressions of interest close
12 November 2026
Participant notifications
Before 20 November 2026
Workshop date
22 November 2026 (tentative)
Location
Adelaide University, City East Campus
Room to be confirmed
Selection
A diverse group across disciplines, practices and experience levels
Conference
OzCHI 2026