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Dumbo

Dumbo

Turin, Italy

Category:

Group Project

4

People

Involved

Client:

Ferrero x New Holland

Blender still renders muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvester of Ferrero Roucher in collaboration with New Holland.
Just a Gradient

Helen Reeves

Designer

This project reinforced the importance of building user-centered features that offer value beyond aesthetics

Project gallery

A studio side view render of skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster

Key Highlights

Dual Design Concepts

Two design proposals were developed: one with an automotive-inspired, muscular aesthetic, and another with a minimal, insect-like structure focused purely on functionality and efficiency.

Physics-Based Real-Time Simulation

The harvester operates in a fully interactive environment where hazelnuts are collected using real-time physics. The vacuum system actively pulls nuts into storage units while the vehicle moves.

Industry-Focused Presentation

The entire simulation was presented live in real time to Ferrero, demonstrating not only design intent but also functional logic and mechanical feasibility.

A cinematic hero render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in Unreal Engine 5 which was in a cover page of a IVT Magazine.
A cinematic hero render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in Unreal Engine 5 which was in a cover page of a IVT Magazine.
A studio front view render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio front view render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio rear view render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio rear view render of muscular design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A cinematic hero render of Skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in Unreal Engine 5.
A cinematic hero render of Skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in Unreal Engine 5.
A studio front view render of skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio front view render of skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio rear view render of skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.
A studio rear view render of skeleton design of DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvster done in blender.

Details

Mechanical Rigging System

Complex IK rigs were developed in Autodesk Maya to control the movement of vacuum arms, robotic extensions, and steering systems. These rigs allowed realistic motion and responsive interaction.

Interactive Controls

The harvester could be driven using a keyboard or joystick. Users could control steering, vacuum activation, and unloading operations in real time.

Storage & Collection Logic

Collected hazelnuts were stored in rotating wooden containers. The unloading process was simulated with functional doors and gravity-based physics.

Cinematic Visualization

High-quality renders were produced to communicate the design’s character and functionality. One of the images was featured on the cover of a US-based design magazine.

A group photo of all the designers invovled in DUMBO-A Hazelnut Harvester design project for Ferrero Roucher in collaboration with New Holland.

DUMBO by Ludwig Brenninkmeijer, Pritish Karmi, Tomas Knaze, Yash Vishnubhai Panchal

Pagani Alisea

Art

Featured in

Magazine

A cinematic and realistic render of DUMBO-A Hazelnut harvester done in unreal engine 5

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