constructable: interactive construction of functional mechanical devices

Abstract

constructable is an interactive drafting table based on a laser cutter that produces precise physical output in every editing step. Users interact by drafting directly on the workpiece using a hand-held laser pointer. The system tracks the pointer, beautifies its path, and implements its effect by cutting the workpiece using a fast high-powered laser cutter. constructable achieves precision through tool-specific constraints, user-defined sketch lines, and by using the laser cutter itself for all visual feedback, rather than using a screen or projection. As part of this interactive demonstration, attendees will use constructable to create simple but functional devices, including a booklet and a simple gearbox.