The world's largest gathering of open workshops and maker communities, FAB25 Czechia, this year it has arrived in the Czech Republic, and Prusa Research is there as a proud partner. Part of the programme is also PrusaLab, which is showcasing the best of its work at the Prague Exhibition Grounds – from large-scale art installations to startups from our hardware accelerator, as well as workshops and panel discussions.
And the best news? Friday 11 July is the whole programme open to the general public.
Large-format installations that have travelled the world
At our stand, you can view several projects that were created in collaboration with artists and that combine design, electronics, robotics and digital fabrication.
It won't be missing Reflex, a kinetic installation made up of dozens of synchronously moving mirrors, which since its debut at the Signal Festival has become one of our most successful projects and regularly travels to festivals and cultural events in the Czech Republic and abroad.
We will also introduce Nexus, a volumetric light installation composed of 300 acrylic cells that creates the impression of a living digital organism inspired by mycelium and neural networks.
Visitors will also be able to view Fluid, the kinetic sculpture by Petr Vacek, which was created for Expo 2020 in Dubai. At FAB25 we are exhibiting its smaller demonstration version with seven mirrors, which clearly demonstrates the principles of the technology behind this unique installation.
And there will also be no shortage of Listen to the waves, a seven-metre data totem by the artist Kryštof Brůha, which transforms invisible electromagnetic waves into fascinating light and colour structures.
Start-ups that grew out of PrusaLab
Part of the exhibition is also a selection of projects that have passed through our PrusaLab Hardware Accelerator.
We will introduce Obsessed, a Czech brand developing custom 3D-printed cycling saddles, IRMA, a smart handbag combining design and safety features, as well as The Hooking from the startup MIRNIX HOCKEY – an innovative hockey equipment dryer and organiser designed by players themselves.
Each of these projects addresses a completely different problem, but they all share the same environment. They were created in PrusaLab, where they gained access to technologies, expert know-how, and a network of mentors and partners.
Workshops and discussions on the future of fab labs
FAB25 is not just about exhibitions, though. We have also prepared practical workshops focused on digital manufacturing and 3D printing.
A workshop took place in Brno Rapid Prototyping Workshop, during which participants tried out 3D printing, soldering and laser cutting, and took home their own glowing product.
Then in Prague we organise Advanced SLA Printing Workshop, which focuses on the practical application of SLA printing and its possibilities in the production of detailed and aesthetically demanding objects.
There will also be two panel discussions. In the first of them, From Fablab to Hardware Startup Accelerator, we will look at how a corporate fablab became a hardware startup accelerator. The founders of the Posedla, IRMA and MIRNIX HOCKEY projects will share their experiences.
The second discussion entitled Fablab Meets Art: PrusaLab & SIGNAL Festival Collaborations it will present the behind-the-scenes of the collaboration between PrusaLab and the Signal Festival and show how open workshops can be at the birth of large-format art installations.
Friday is for the public
If you are interested in the intersection of technology, design, art and business, come and visit us. On Friday 11 July, the FAB25 programme is open to the general public, and you will be able to view our installations, start-up projects and workshop outputs at the Křižík Pavilions at the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
Come and get inspired, meet people from the maker community or simply see what kinds of ideas PrusaLab and the community around it can turn into reality.
We look forward to seeing you at FAB25!
