This design research project examines the opportunities for creative machinery, crafting, and fabrication using e-waste by repurposing discarded technological components into new devices, tools, and processes. Through this exploration, we developed physical computing skills by disassembling, prototyping, and reimagining discarded technology.
The project highlights how technological progress often obscures the lifecycle of devices. As newer machines replace older ones, vast quantities of components are left underutilized, stored, or discarded. By investigating these cycles, we learn to harness parts from obsolete devices, exploring their potential for integration into new machines.
This iterative process involves a complex interplay of components, knowledge, and code, reflecting the challenges and creativity required to bring such machines to life. This research is an ongoing journey, blending technical skill development with a critical reflection on the cycles of technology and waste.
We followed and tweaked the ladybug scanner instructable
First steps building the machine
A custom-built scanner designed to document small-scale electronic and organic waste.
Integrates a mounted microscope and is programmed with movement over X/Y axes.
Capable of capturing high-resolution, macro-level images with consistent lighting
Custom 3D-printed trays for object stabilization and part alignment
Modular hardware setup to allow smooth component switch
From top to bottom:
guc view (rasp pi)
thonny programming (rasp pi)
scanner GUI (rasp pi)
game of life GUI (web)
A Python-based GUI to control the scanner, visualize movement, and log image capture
Developed motion control logic and boundary checking to avoid redundant scans
For output explorations: Glitscapes