CROVE

Location: Berlin, Germany

Type: Research, Product Design, Emerging Technology, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence

Supported: Center for Entrepreneurship at the TU Berlin

Collaborators: Massimiliano Bariola (Concept Design, Software Design, and Hardware Design), Cecill Etheredge (Hardware Design), Alex Gabriel (Product Design), Alicia Hinon (Concept Design, Marketing, and Project Management), Christine Lara Hoff (Product Design & Prototyping), Rami Rihawi (Hardware Design), Daniel Stauffer (Prototyping - 3dk.Berlin)

Photo Credit: Pujan Shakupa

Exhibited at IFA Berlin 2019

Crove is an ergonomic platform in the form of a 3D printed wearable. Crove (Craft + Glove) is the next step in wearables that challenges tech to conform to the body, enhancing mobility and maintenance through smart, seamless, and intuitive design.  It is a reaction against broken smart phone screens and industrial design at odds with ergonomics. An open platform – the user programs each touch gesture to their specific needs and lifestyle.

Heading prototyping and material research, we sought to push the boundaries of 3D printing while experimenting with the integration of flexible and conductive materials. 3D printing presents a unique issue in mass production and waste; thus, a primarily biodegradable flexible cornstarch based filament was used in prototyping (WillowFlex). 3D printing as a mode for customizing each design to the individual’s specific hand shape and size showcases a viable trend in mass production.