Craft and/or engineering? reflections on the use of robotic cutting in analogue/digital hybridised practices in the creation of craftworks.

This paper is based on a project that builds on ongoing investigations by the lead author into integrating digital technologies with traditional craft practices, with the aim of developing new forms of hybrid practice. The initial sections describe previous work within his ‘Hand Thought’ project and a proposed ‘Digital Craft Ethos’ which sought identify and define a Pragmatic craft-oriented approach to the use digital technologies that is distinct from more Instrumental design engineering mindsets and methodologies. The next section describes new work undertaken using a KUKA robot arm within a residency at the University of the West of England in their Centre for Print Research, collaborating with technical coding and robotics experts for the first time. Drawing on a discussion between all contributors the later part of this paper will reflect on individuals’ experiences and how their perspectives have informed a reframing of this ethos, and recognition that hybrid making practices need to negotiate between the Pragmatic and the Instrumental. The final section argues that although this maybe the case, the retention of the ethical and socio-technical arrangements that are core to a craft-oriented practice are important to recognise and promote within the context of the rapidly expanding use of automated and autonomous robots for fabrication. Drawing on the ideals of the Arts and Craft Movement, the paper concludes by speculating on how to widen the scope of the value proposition associated with deploying digital fabrication tools and (re)assert the value of human labour and engagement with the material world.