This project explores automated welding for large-scale inflatables through weld-o, a line-following robot that simplifies fabrication. using a heated nozzle and tracking sensors, This robot welds plastic sheets along predefined paths, reducing labor and human error. The project involved extensive iterative testing, including experiments with different plastic materials, multiple rounds of robot prototyping, and refinements to both wiring and chassis design. By detecting color differences on a surface, the robot follows lines and selectively deploys its heated nozzle to seal plastic layers, allowing users to create inflatable forms of virtually any shape. as a low-tech and adaptable system, weld-o makes diy inflatable architecture more accessible across diverse environments.
