piccolo kitchen

(spring 2020)

WHAT IS IT?:

The MIT Media Lab’s CityScience Group conducts research on new strategies to effectively utilize the places where people live and work in addition to the mobility systems that connect them. The Piccolo Kitchen is a multifunctional modular kitchen that is robotically actuated.

Currently, a problem in existing compact kitchens is how they often limit the cooking experience because of the lack of space.

The goal of the modular kitchen project is to create a modular platform for exploring micro-kitchens that are culture specific and act as a multi-functional part of a living space with limited floor area. The kitchen investigates new ways to cook through robotically enabled cabinets and appliances to minimize the utilized space of the kitchen, while maximizing the ability for users to cook various meals as well as reform the same space for work and daily tasks.

ROLE:

My task is to design the modular folding panels of the kitchen that would function as countertop space, protection during cooking, as well as work space. I researched existing foldable table designs, joint connectors, and did mathematical analysis for this folding component. After ideating some concepts for the design of the panels, I used Solidworks to CAD the panels and the desired folding motion.

I also designed and fabricated the encasement for the robotic cabinet's electrical system for better visibility in wiring. The previous circuitry of the electronic system was difficult to decipher because there was no organizational method to the cabling, so I made a stand-off box that used acrylic as a cover and wood as a base, where we could organize and secure the wires to. I chose these materials to ensure durability as well as visibility.

My work also included the documentation of the mechanical system for the cabinets. This documentation detailed the mechanical analysis of the drop down function of the cabinet and its components, such as the motor control, pulleys, gearbox, code, etc. This will allow us to deconstruct and rebuild the prototype if needed, or for future project researchers to understand the current prototype.

SKILLS:

  • laser cutting

  • 2D and 3D modeling

  • Solidworks

  • prototyping research

  • documentation of mechanical systems

 

full piccolo kitchen demonstration

concept image of the kitchen in a compact living space

concept image of the kitchen in a compact living space

standoff boxes for the electronic storage unit

standoff boxes for the electronic storage unit

Project Overview ‹ Piccolo Kitchen - MIT Media Lab

This project aims to create a modular platform for exploring micro-kitchens that are culture specific. Cooking is a personal experience that has cultural attributes. This project explores new modes of cooking using robotically enabled cabinets and appliances to minimize the footprint of the kitchen, while maximizing the ability for users to cook large meals, socialize, and utilize the same space during non-meal times for work.

Read more about the Piccolo Kitchen project here