Traditional
AUTOMATA
Cam Mechanisms
Brass levers, following the shape of the cam discs, push and pull the rods of the internal mechanism, producing the movements.
Modern
AUTOMATA
Servo Controller
The servos have integrated circuits, which translate their position into digital pulses that match the pulses programmed into the control chips memory, recording the movement.
Electronic
AUTOMATA
Programmable Servos
Servo electronics programmed and recorded using a computer; each Automaton has customized movements creating one-of-a-kind moving figurative sculptures.
Hand-crank
AUTOMATA
Hand-operated Controller
A concentric crankshaft controller enables the mechanism to be cranked either forward or reverse, and at varying speed.
Wind-up
AUTOMATA
Music Box Controller
Music box wind-up controller pushes and pulls the rods of the internal mechanism, producing the movements.
3D Printed
AUTOMATA
ABS/PLA thermoplastic
Figure is modeled in ZBrushCore, a 3D sculpting program. The model parts are printed in ABS or PLA thermoplastic, primed, painted and assembled.
Over the years we have been asked what draws us to creating Automata, while we enjoy creating static figures there is an uncanny sensation when an inanimate object “comes to life” and, for just a moment, draws the observer into their mysterious world.
We think of the automata figures as puppets and marionettes but using a variety of mechanisms such as Traditional hand-operated, wind-up, and cam-driven; and Modern with programmable, servo-controlled electronics; to serve as the puppeteer without visible means behind the movement.
For the observer there is a difference between viewing a sculpted figure and being entertained by a puppet. The joy of watching a puppet show is as close to the feeling we want to achieve when creating an automaton.
