RetroFab: A Revolutionary Way to Customize and Control Your Everyday Devices

Imagine a world where you could easily modify the controls of your everyday devices to better suit your needs. With the groundbreaking RetroFab system, this vision becomes a reality. Developed by Raf Ramakers and the Autodesk Research team, RetroFab empowers non-experts to design and fabricate new physical interfaces for their legacy devices, seamlessly blending the old with the new.

Key Features:

RetroFab stands out with its user-friendly interface and versatility, allowing non-experts to:

  • Design and fabricate new physical interfaces without extensive technical expertise.
  • Change the layout and behavior of physical interfaces to enhance usability and accessibility.
  • Utilize 3D scanning, printing, and basic electronics to create customized interfaces.

Process:

RetroFab simplifies the process of customizing device interfaces:

  1. Load a 3D scan of the device into the RetroFab design tool.
  2. Highlight and select the device’s controls on the model.
  3. The system generates a 3D-printable rendering and offers redesign suggestions.
  4. RetroFab automatically generates a housing that fits over the original interface.
  5. The housing holds actuators, motors, LEDs, and other components connected to an iRobota.

Interconnectivity:

RetroFab takes customization a step further by enabling interconnectivity and remote control:

  • Users can interconnect and remotely control their retrofitted gadgets using a mobile app.
  • This allows users to set timers, turn on/off lights, and more from their phones.

Versatility:

RetroFab’s versatility shines through its extensive toolkit:

  • The system comes with a toolkit of 12 components to retrofit a wide variety of legacy devices.
  • This includes everything from knobs and sliders to buttons and dials.

Communication:

RetroFab’s communication architecture ensures seamless operation:

  • Individual iRobota microcontrollers control the enclosure structures.
  • User input and sensor data are transmitted to a central PC.
  • The PC decides which RetroFab actuators and sensors to turn on or off.

Benefits:

RetroFab offers a range of benefits to users:

  • Empowers non-tech-savvy users to customize their physical interfaces.
  • Offers flexibility in adapting legacy devices to changing needs.
  • Enhances user convenience through remote control and interconnectivity.

Bonus: RetroFab opens up new possibilities for user customization and interaction with technology. Imagine retrofitting a vintage radio with modern controls, or adding haptic feedback to a gaming controller. The possibilities are endless. As technology continues to evolve, RetroFab serves as a testament to the power of user-driven innovation.

RetroFab is a game-changer in the world of human-computer interaction, empowering users to take control of their physical interfaces and seamlessly integrate them into their digital lives. With its user-friendly design, versatility, and interconnectivity, RetroFab is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our everyday devices.


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