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Creative Motion Control — Spring 2026

Instructors​

Lecture: Tuesday / Thursday, 3:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Lab Hours: Tuesday 10:30 AM -12:00 PM, Thursday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Location: Elings 2003 (lecture) | Elings 2024 (lab)

Overview​

This class introduces students to creative motion control—the investigation, design, and implementation of novel, playful, and practical ways of controlling how machines move. The course is premised on the idea that automated machines can serve as powerful tools for creative work, whether it is a 3D printer used for rapid prototyping, a sewing machine for making garments, or an actuated lighting rig for theater performance.

The power of a machine as a tool depends not only on its technical capabilities (maximum payload, end-effector, number of axes, etc.) but also on how a human can control it. Students will explore the development of idiosyncratic machine control interfaces using the experimental motion control platform Stepdance. Stepdance differs from traditional Computer Numerical Control (CNC) by enabling the integration of real-time and precompiled control operations without latency or mechanical disruption. Students will use Stepdance to:

  1. Modify existing CNC machines formerly designed solely for automatic operation.
  2. Develop new machines of their own design to support alternative interactions blending manual control, real-time adjustment, and dynamic behavior.

Course Goals​

  1. Support students in developing original methods for controlling CNC machines.
  2. Provide introductory training in CAD, machine rapid prototyping, basic electronics, and embedded programming for physical UI design.
  3. Examine the landscape of machine control through engineering, interaction design, and artistic lenses.

Course Components​

Teams and Equipment​

Students will work in teams of two for the duration of the quarter. All projects are completed as a team. Each team will manage a kit consisting of:

Projects and Assignments​

The course is divided into a Midterm Project and a Final Project. Most work will occur outside of class and during lab hours. Intermediate assignments will be assigned periodically.

Lab Hours​

Weekly lab hours will be held Tuesday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM and Thursday 1:00PM to 2:30PM.
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Class Structure​

  • Format: All meetings are IN PERSON.
  • Structure: Meetings begin with an introductory lecture, followed by hands on instruction in software, hardware, or other methods.
  • Critiques: Some course sessions will be devoted to the presentation of project proposals and review and critique of completed projects.
  • Lab Sessions: Lab hours are generally for equipment access and hands on support.

Software Requirements​

Design and CAM Software​

Communication and Frameworks​

Course Policies​

Details on student assessment, safety, absences and all other course policies can be found here

Weekly Schedule​

View Weekly Schedule

Guides​

We have compiled a series of guides to assist with getting started, and providing an overview of basic concepts

Teams and Documentation​

All work will be done in teams of two people. This includes the midterm and final project. Teams will be assigned in advance. You should complete your documentation work as a team as well, rather than having individual websites/ repositories.

Team MembersWebsiteRepo

Inspiration and Resources​

Examples of prior interactive fabrication and plotter art, research, and design