![Hero image for Ephyra](/img/project/ephyra/ephyra_hero-8FEB3D71.jpg)
Ephyra
Challenge
Create an installation piece that showcase the fiber technology for TOKYO FIBER 07 “SENSEWARE” exhibition.
Visit Ephyra for detailed description.
Solution
Ephyra, designed by Shunji Yamanaka is a simulation of mankind's future creations. I took charge as project leader, managing schedule, expense and logistics. As well as production, prototyping, and exhibition set up with my team.
The Team
- Design & Direction
- Shunji Yamanaka
- Research Cooperation
- Wakita Lab. at Keio Univ. SFC
- Production
- Mariko Higaki, Michihiko Ueno, Yosuke Ushigome
- Frame Design
- Masaki Shimomura
- Programming
- Sohei Kitada
Video
Fabric Experiment
Our first attempt to see the stretch and silhouette of the fabric. We made a structure with wooden rods. Trying to find the best balance of the tense of fabric.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Fabric1-6ED77491.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Fabric2-1ECB68E6.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Fabric3-A2014DB6.jpg)
Frame Structure
The number of tentacles was decided as 12 from the tensegrity structure. Various models were made to decide the design of frame to support the air cylinders.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Frame-1243E033.jpg)
Electronics
First tested with working prototype made with universal board. Then went to the final PCB prototype.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Electronics1-292E15C7.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Electronics2-C59D2A0A.jpg)
Manufacture
Sensor cap to grab the capacitive sensor was manufactured by hand with milling machine. The frames were made by sheet-metal manufacturer.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Manufacture1-BD83901A.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Manufacture2-2F024100.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Manufacture3-8876C013.jpg)
Setup
In order to finalize this robotic interface, we spent a day at the site to set up. Biggest challenge was to fix the fabric to the right tension and height, since we were not able to test this beforehand.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Setup3-55C62D05.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Setup1-C5B75B37.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Setup4-B8CE4A10.jpg)
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Setup2-FA2FEC8C.jpg)
Exhibition
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Exhibition1-6CCA1974.jpg)
- TOKYO FIBER 07 SENSEWARE
- Aoyama Spiral, Tokyo Japan,
- 26–29 April, 2007.
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Exhibition2-222B0031.jpg)
- TOKYO FIBER 07 SENSEWARE Paris
- PALAIS DE TOKYO, Paris France,
- 26–28 June, 2007
![](/img/project/ephyra/Ephyra_Exhibition3-E535719D.jpg)
- Wakita Lab Exhibition
- Hillside Terrace, Tokyo Japan
- 8–9 September, 2007.