Prototyping in Tokyo: Illustrating Design-Led Innovation closes on 17 March, so it’s the penultimate weekend to head down to Japan House in London for this wonderful exhibition of bio-mimicry and epic prototypes.
It’s an excellent showcase of the innovative designs of design engineer Professor Yamanaka Shunji, founder of Leading Edge Design and a professor at the University of Tokyo, Shunji is one of the most respected design engineers in Japan.
The exhibition explores the potential of prototypes to act as a link between cutting-edge technology and society, offering us a glimpse into the structures and textures of the future, including the ‘Ready to Crawl’ series of robots that are ‘born’ fully formed just like a living thing.
Their parts are created all at the same time, fully assembled, and with form and movement that closely mirrors living things.
The exhibition presents three core themes for visitors to explore: ‘Prosthetics’ is a range of interpretations of the ‘expanded human body’; ‘Bio-likeness robots’ are robots with life-like motion and behaviour, giving the impression of intelligence; and ‘Additive Manufacturing’ is the taking of prototyping to the next level with 3D printing which has allowed engineers and designers to create infinitely more complex prototypes.
Japan House London
101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA
Admission: Free
