AI-Powered Fabrication Workshop with Image Generation and UV Printing Presented at Yokohama Municipal Minami High School

12/05/2024　Corporate Activities, Digital Printing, 3D Digital Fabrication

On November 9, we conducted a corporate workshop at Yokohama Municipal Minami High School. Themed “AI Image Generation × UV Printer: A Workshop on the Future of Fabrication,” the event offered students the chance to explore creative possibilities by designing and decorating power banks and bag hooks using artificial intelligence and printing technologies.

Bringing ideas to life with AI

As a designated school in the Super Global High School Program by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Yokohama Municipal Minami High School actively nurtures talent for global engagement through corporate collaborations and hands-on learning opportunities.

This workshop marked our second session with the school which aimed to demonstrate how AI, now ubiquitous across various fields, can be applied to create innovative content. A diverse team of our company members, spanning development and marketing, collaborated to plan and execute the event.

Thirty-five eager students gathered for a workshop on printing AI-generated images on power banks and adding names via foil decoration, as well as imprinting names on bag hooks using a photo impact printer. The session began in the computer science classroom, where students learned the basics of AI usage and the importance of literacy, including copyright considerations. We also provided an overview of our company, including our innovative workspaces and products.

The students then started generating images using AI applications. They experimented with different text prompts, refining their inputs to create their ideal images. When unexpected outputs emerged, they shared and discussed them with friends, enjoying the creative process.

Comments from the students included, “It was fascinating to see how AI could generate images I didn’t intend, as well as ones that matched my vision,” and “I gradually understood how to craft prompts better, which was exciting.” Some students were so engrossed in the process that the session extended slightly as they carefully chose images for printing. Others expressed curiosity about the mechanics behind AI-generated images, saying, “I’m very interested in understanding how AI creates these visuals.”

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  Explaining how to use AI tools

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  Students enjoying the creative process

Printing their creations

Once the designs were ready, students moved to another room where the actual printing process took place.

Using three VersaSTUDIO BD-8 desktop flatbed UV printers, students observed the direct printing of their AI-generated images onto power banks. Our staff explained how UV printers enable direct printing on various materials and shapes, sparking student interest in applications like acrylic prints and custom smartphone cases.

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  Students observing UV printing

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  Explaining UV printer workings

For name personalization, students used a laser decorator to add gold or silver text to the power banks* with our proprietary app. Similarly, a photo impact printer was also used for imprinting names on bag hooks with the app. Guided by easy-to-follow instructions on screen, students completed these tasks independently.

The completed items amazed students, who remarked, “This quality is far beyond what home printers can achieve,” and “I now want a printer at home.”

* Foil decoration onto power banks was conducted after ensuring safety. Safety verification may be required for certain items prior to foil decoration.

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  Explaining how to use the laser decorator

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  Students entering their desired text

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  Explaining how to use the photo impact printer

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  Personalizing with our proprietary app

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  Completed power banks showcasing student creativity

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  Personalized bag hooks

Positive feedback from students and educational potential

The workshop’s success was reflected in the excitement students showed as they worked with printers and AI tools. They shared how generative AI revealed new possibilities for fabrication, expressed surprise at how compact equipment could replace large machinery, and were impressed by the advanced technology’s ability to print on materials beyond paper. The approachable and friendly staff further enhanced the excitement and enjoyment of the experience.

Through this workshop, we not only provided practical learning about AI but also allowed students to experience digital fabrication firsthand. We hope this event inspires participants to further explore the possibilities of AI and printers in fabrication. As a company, we are committed to introducing the next generation to the expanding world of digital fabrication.