The realm of art has always been a playground for innovation and creativity. From the traditional strokes of a paintbrush to the modern-day digital canvases, the boundaries of artistic expression continue to expand. However, have you ever imagined painting not with a brush, but with robots? The South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) tried this by using Spherbots, programmable sphere-shaped robots.
Led by instructor Jimmy Cuffari, a computer science student at Rowan University, the Spherobots class at the SJIC began the process by covering a table in parchment paper–this would serve as their canvas.
Intriguingly, instead of using brushes to paint, Cuffari and his class applied vibrant globs of paint directly onto the table. That way, the robots could roll right through them and make beautiful color combinations.
There was definitely a learning curve to this project. At first, the students struggled to control the Spherobots. Overtime, though, they got the hang of it and were able to not only make abstract and colorful art, but also try to create templates out of painter’s tape for the robot to follow.
All in all, this was by far the student’s favorite project as well as the perfect way to end the fall semester. The SJIC hopes to continue doing cool projects like this in the winter session!
The SJIC offers STEAM instruction (including financial literacy, 3D printing, and chess), for kids looking for fun and growth. Register here for the SJIC’s winter classes.
