數位自然：仿生葉脈紋理之機器人減材製造工藝 Biomimicry Aesthetics: Robotic Subtractive Fabrication of Leaf Venation
黃致傑暨清華大學仿生設計實驗室 Chih-Chieh Huang & Biodesign Lab, National Tsing Hua University
與陽明交大王識源機械手臂技術合作
Collaboration on robotic arm technology with Associate Professor Shih‑Yuan Wang at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
「Robotic Biomimicry Object」以運算幾何（Computational Geometry）與機器人數位製造（Robotic Digital Fabrication）技術，探索減材製造（Subtractive Fabrication）在工藝表現上的新可能。作品靈感取自維多莉亞亞馬遜王蓮（Victoria Amazonica）的葉脈結構，強調生物仿生（Biomimicry）於數位設計與製造應用中的潛力。
亞馬遜王蓮的浮葉因其獨特的脈管系統（Vasculature）與巨大葉脈結構著稱（Box et al., 2022）。此種葉片自中心主脈向外延展，依循特有的分支規則（Branching Rules），形成縱橫交錯的支撐網絡，展現自然界以最輕盈結構支撐廣大葉面的設計智慧。本作品將此高效率的生長機制轉譯為數位生成與製造的設計策略。
創作過程中，透過Rhino/Grasshopper平台進行演算法（Algorithmic）與參數化設計（Parametric Design），模擬Victoria Amazonica的分支紋理生長邏輯。演算生成的數位幾何（Geometric Model），進一步轉化為適用於減材製造的具體形態，保持葉脈系統的結構複雜度與美感。
製作階段以機械手臂進行精密研磨，將運算生成的葉脈紋理以減材工藝實體化。根據不同材料的特性，在研磨過程中保留機械加工痕跡，形塑出類似自然葉脈的質地與光影效果。
目前完成的作品，首先以高密度保麗龍進行減材實驗，驗證了工藝性表現的可行性，並已完成兩件中型物件，分別以墨玉與木材製作，示範此仿生紋理應用於不同材質之可能性。未來將進一步拓展至玻璃等具有臺灣在地工藝特色的材料，持續以「運算設計（Computational Design）X 機器人製造（Robotic Fabrication）」的跨域方法，探索材質與工藝的詩意結合。
本作品於2025年米蘭設計週（Milan Design Week 2025）Isola Design Gallery 展出。
This work explores new possibilities in subtractive fabrication through computational geometry and robotic digital manufacturing. Inspired by the venation of Victoria Amazonica (giant water lily), it emphasizes the potential of biomimicry in digital design and fabrication.
Known for its expansive floating leaves, Victoria Amazonica features a remarkable vascular system composed of radiating veins that follow unique branching rules (Box et al., 2022). These intersecting structures form an efficient support network, distributing forces across a wide surface with minimal material. The project translates this natural design logic into a strategy for digital generation and fabrication.
Using the Rhino/Grasshopper platform, the artist applies algorithmic and parametric design techniques to simulate the plant’s venation patterns. The resulting geometric models are then adapted for subtractive processes, retaining the complexity and elegance of the original leaf structures.
A robotic arm is employed for precision milling, physically expressing the digitally generated patterns. The tool paths are intentionally preserved, allowing different materials to reveal leaf-like textures and subtle light reflections through their response to machining.
Initial prototypes were milled in high-density polystyrene to test the process. Two medium-scale works—one in black jade and one in wood—have been completed to demonstrate the system’s adaptability across materials. Future applications will expand into locally significant materials such as glass, continuing the poetic convergence of computational design and robotic fabrication through Taiwan’s craft lens.
The work was exhibited at the Isola Design Gallery during Milan Design Week 2025.
