Robot: A Revolutionary Door Handle Design by Davide Diliberto

Winner of the Silver A' Furniture Accessories, Hardware and Materials Design Award in 2020

The Robot door handle, as described by Diliberto, is a piece of micro-architecture that extends and rotates surfaces to provide an optimal grip for the palm and thumb. The design is inspired by the way robots change their shape to perform specific tasks. The handle's form is a regular profile from which surfaces extend and rotate, ensuring the right grip and comfort. The squared shape, sharp corners, and three-dimensional planes allow the handle to visually fuse with the architectural environment.

Robot is not just a door handle; it is a family of door handles that embody the concept of transformation. The range includes related products and accessories, all obtained from just three moulds. The handle is made of brass and is available in polished chrome, satin chrome, or high-performance satin graphite. A special matt black enamel coating is also available, offering the same demanding performances as the faucet industry.

The design process of Robot was not without its challenges. The moulded raw piece needed to be finished by tool grinding and polishing. Due to the geometric shape, a particular care was required to maintain regular planes, sharp edges, and the original design. All these operations had to be manually executed, especially for the satin finishes where the grinding lines are visible and must be perfectly oriented. This makes Robot one of the most complex door handles on the market.

The first concept of Robot was presented to a company based in Brianza in November 2017. A refined prototype was then unveiled at the 2018 Milan Design Week, with the full range of related accessories. Following some suggestions from clients, the production version, which is slightly longer, was unveiled at the 2019 Milan Design Week and is now permanently placed in the Archiproducts Milano headquarters, in Via Tortona.

Robot door handle is a testament to Diliberto's innovative approach to design. It is a perfect blend of form and function, offering a unique user experience while adding an architectural touch to any space. The design has been recognized with the Silver A' Design Award, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.