CAD
Prototyping

Moto Guzzi Robot Vacuum

Moto Guzzi’s motorcycle heritage translated into a domestic product. Working in a six-person team, I carried the selected form through 3D scanning, Alias development and physical prototyping.

The finished green, silver and gold Moto Guzzi-inspired robot vacuum prototype

Role: 3D scanning, CAD and prototyping
Team: 6 designers
Duration: 3 months · 2023
Tools: Alias and workshop manufacturing

The brief

Each team was assigned a motorcycle brand and tasked with designing a robot vacuum that could belong in its portfolio. Our team was assigned Moto Guzzi, and we studied how its forms, details and character could translate into an object for the home.

Brand research and concept exploration helped us choose which cues were worth carrying forward. Clay modeling gave the team a physical way to compare proportions before developing the selected direction.

My contribution

My responsibility covered 3D scanning, surface modeling in Autodesk Alias and the final physical prototype. I scanned the selected clay form and rebuilt it digitally so the team could refine and communicate a shared direction.

The digital model connected visualization and manufacturing. Working between the clay form, the scan and the Alias surfaces helped us keep the product’s proportions consistent as the design developed.

Clay modeling during the Moto Guzzi robot vacuum project — Developing the form in clay

Building a display stand with a textured base and brick backdrop for the Moto Guzzi robot vacuum prototype — Building the display stand for the prototype

Digital CAD development of the Moto Guzzi robot vacuum — Taking the form into CAD

Making the prototype

I translated the Alias model into CNC-milled foam, vacuum-formed covers, 3D-printed details and laser-cut graphics. These methods let us turn the digital surfaces into a full-scale appearance model.

I checked the fit of the formed covers on the body before painting and finishing the parts. Bringing the parts together made the design tangible and gave us a way to judge the whole object beyond the screen.

CNC tool milling the robot vacuum’s foam body — CNC milling

Clear plastic being vacuum formed over the milled foam shape — Vacuum forming

Transparent formed covers placed on the foam body to check their fit — Checking the fit on the body

Spray painting a masked panel for the Moto Guzzi prototype — Painting and finishing

The result

The final VC 6 appearance model brings Moto Guzzi cues into a compact domestic object through layered panels, curved surfaces, ventilation details and contrasting finishes.

Close view of the finished Moto Guzzi robot vacuum prototype — The final surfaces and details

Finished Moto Guzzi robot vacuum with green, silver and gold panels on a striped green rug — Green, silver and gold finishes

Moto Guzzi robot vacuum prototype shown in context — The completed appearance model

What I learned

This project strengthened my ability to move between a physical form, a digital surface model and manufactured parts. I developed a better understanding of how production methods and small adjustments affect the final prototype. It also showed me how a shared digital model helps a team make decisions around the same design.

Skills I developed: Turning a scanned physical form into usable CAD surfaces.

Connecting digital modeling with manufacturing and finishing.

Developing a shared design direction within a team.
Tools & methods: Autodesk Alias and 3D scanning.

Clay modeling, CNC milling and vacuum forming.

3D printing and laser cutting.