Computational Design of Coordinate-Motion Assemblies

Coordinate-motion assemblies can only be disassembled by the simultaneous motion of multiple parts along distinct paths, providing high structural stability and enabling efficient robotic assembly. Existing examples are largely limited to architectural structures using joint-based connections, or puzzles created through trial-and-error, as the relationship between part geometry and coordinate motion remains poorly understood. Computationally designing such assemblies is challenging because it requires jointly achieving distributed contacts across the entire assembly and a unique coordinate motion for disassembly that rules out other feasible motions. We address this challenge by establishing a theoretical connection between part geometry and unique coordinate motion, enabling us to rigorously verify whether a given assembly admits a unique coordinate motion. Building on this theory, we introduce a two-stage algorithm that optimizes contact interfaces for a target motion and constructs physically feasible part geometries that conform to a user-specified global shape. We demonstrate our approach on models with complex geometries and topologies, including assemblies with large part counts, and validate it through physical fabrication and experiments.