Material
Prompts

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.

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.