Data to Motion: Multi-Scale Approaches for Robotic Trajectories

Data to Motion: Multi-Scale Approaches for Robotic Trajectories was a one-week intensive workshop held from 24–28 November 2025 at the University of Arts Linz. Following an initial proposal by visiting faculty Felix Agid and Ianis Lallemand (TALM), the workshop brought together students and teachers from TALM (France), IAAC (Spain), and the University of Arts Linz (Austria).

About the Workshop

The workshop focused on experimental, data-driven design methods combining robotics, parametric design, digital analysis, and physical fabrication. Students worked in mixed, international teams and developed projects transforming datasets—generated from sound, movement, environmental data, or imagery—into robotic trajectories and physical artefacts.
In Linz, 38 students and 4 teachers, supported by 6 additional staff members and 2 invited experts, worked on site throughout the week. The hybrid format further enabled remote collaboration with 14 students and 1 teacher from IAAC. By combining local infrastructures with international expertise, the workshop contributed to sustainable and transnational teaching practices in digital design and fabrication.

Student Projects
Throughout the week, student groups developed a diverse range of projects exploring data-to-motion relationships at multiple scales. The outcomes ranged from robotic carving and clay 3D printing to light performances, sound-driven motion, and data-based physical objects.

The projects addressed themes such as:

• Translation of environmental, sound, and movement data into robotic paths
• Multi-scale design, from micro patterns to performative spatial gestures
• Hybrid processes combining digital workflows and material experimentation
• Co-creation between humans and robots

Each group developed its own workflow, resulting in physical prototypes, digital artefacts, and live demonstrations.

Learning Outcomes & Impact

The workshop enabled participants to:

• Develop interdisciplinary collaboration skills across design, architecture, and technology
• Gain hands-on experience with robotic fabrication and data-driven design workflows
• Test experimental teaching methods

The diversity and quality of the projects demonstrated the workshop’s effectiveness as a testing ground for curriculum development within the SCALExD project.