For my final project, I want to explore daily everyday actions exemplified through machine. More specifically, I want to have a figure of a man perform an action, such as walking and sweeping a floor with the help of two servos. There are two particular reasons behind why I want to create this sort of project. First, I was inspired by an artist who we discussed earlier in the year, Arthur Ganson, who is well known for his work with machines such as “Machine with Wishbone”. I have seen this particular work before and was always fascinated with the complexity behind what looks like a very humble and simplistic piece of art. I personally find this a very enjoyable feature in art because it really makes me analyze really how elaborate even the simplest of motions really can be. What I think allows me to really think about intricacy of movement in “Machine with Wishbone” especially is how slow the whole piece works. One could really spend time at looking how all the wheels interact with the spokes the wishbone is attached to and how the whole machine works together. In a way, I want to capture a similar idea, focusing on the true complexity of what seems like a simple human action, such as walking and sweeping. I want the motion of my piece of be similar to that of “Machine with Wishbone”, focusing on slower, more methodical movements to achieve the same effect. Secondly, I want to focus my final project on using servos, a piece of technology that I want to study more. The primary features of my last two projects were LEDs and lighting and I would like to gain more experience in servo motors and present the knowledge I have already learned about them during class. Additionally, I want to use servos to help create reactions between each component of the body, which in this case is a drawing mannequin. Servo motors will help me create more controlled and slower movements, which is an important aspect of my piece.
Questions:
1.What are some materials you might suggest for the platform or other components?
2.I was thinking about using servos similar to the one we have in our Arduino kits. Would you suggest different sizes?
3. Is there anything you might think I should add to this project that would help present my idea better?
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1. I would use something simple, like foam or cardboard!
2. I guess the servo size would depend on the range of movement you need? I would test different ones, and see what works best!
3. The idea is awesome! I can't think of anything to help you at the moment…
1) I would suggest to use a soft surface such as foam or tissue, but still solid enough so the mannequin won't fall over. You could have a layer of enough tissue paper and then a layer or cardboard or wood.
2) If the mannequin is relatively small, the servo motors in the kit should work fine. I think the key thing is controlling the speed and movement of the servo to have it move the way you want it to.
3) I'm assuming that the whole mannequin is attached to a flexible wire because it will have a lot of weight with motors on the arms as well as being able to move. That is the only thing I could suggest for that.
Hi Bridget –
This is a cool project – potentially very magical! I'm having a hard time totally understanding the movements you are looking for from the description. Is the figure to be walking or just pivoting? Are there one or two motors at the feet? Then, one motor moving the broom? Are there 2 or 3 motors in all?
I'd add this to the list of potential materials: armature wire for the figure. You will need very light materials if you want to use the micro servos.
Sabrina