The Automata / Automaton Blog

Book: Plans from WoodMarvels.com (Vol. 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:05:00 +0000

An interesting woodworking book, with scalable designs. The designs look very clean.

From the book description:

This book features woodworking projects at three different skill levels. They include materials list, tools and step-by-step assembly instructions. What makes our philosophy unique is that all our blueprints are completely measurement free which means you can build them to whatever scale you wish using only the thickness of the wood as your guide. This book includes the following WoodMarvels.com models: Abacus, Bird Feeder, Bird House, Bread Box, Brontosaurus, Dolphin Future Car, Parasaurolophus, Pen and Pencil Holder, Portraits, Ring Stacking Game, Showcase, Stegosaurus, Table Protector, Tower of Hanoi, Wood Stacking Game, Abstract Bank, Chessboard, Crab, Cutting Board, Pterodactyl, Medieval Castle Walls, Platform Crane, and Straddle Carrier

Here is more info on WoodMarvels.com: Top Sellers (Volume 1)

Nostromo watch, inspired by the ship in Alien

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:02:00 +0000

We don't travel down the modern-watch road too often here on The Automata / Automaton Blog, but this one recently featured on Engadget is just too mechanically cool to pass by. The watch, called "The Nostromo", is inspired by its namesake -- the ship in the movie Alien. The exposed gears -- and everything else -- are stunning.

Here's Engadget's recent post on the Nostromo Watch.

[ Thanks Tom! ]

Book: The Pneumatics of Hero of Alexandria

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:21:00 +0000

Hero (or Heron) of Alexandria (c. 10-70 AD) was a prolific inventor and mathematician and is one of the first known creators of automata in the history of Western civilization. His original works were destroyed in the fire that consumed the ancient library in Alexandria, but some of his work survived by way of copies that were made in Arabic. Here is his work on Pneumatics, which included a working steam engine -- an invention that was perhaps several thousand years ahead of its time.

Here is the book The Pneumatics of Hero of Alexandria

Book: Practical Clock Repairing

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:18:00 +0000

For those of you interested, here is a top-rated book on clock repair, ...

From the book description:

In this book, the author has dealt with the usual faults likely to develop in each type of movement in a clock's general use, from the lordly grandfather to the humble alarm. All the tools and equipment are described and illustrated, together with the ways of using them. The craftsman's most important and valuable tools of all — his skillful fingers — are shown in use in the clearest manner. Over 400 line drawings have been specially made from parts under working conditions.

Here's where to get Practical Clock Repairing (3rd Edition)

Timberkits: Drummer wood automaton kit

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Here's a little video of the drummer automaton kit made by Timberkits.

Here's one place you can get the Timberkit drummer automaton.

Keith Newstead: profile of the artist and new blog

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:59:00 +0000

There is a great profile of automata-maker Keith Newstead over at the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre site.

Also be sure to check out Keith Newstead's blog which he just recently started.

The Waiting Hand by Nick Rayburn

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:46:00 +0000

Nick Rayburn is an artist who works with an assortment of materials including wood, marble and brass to silver, coral and shimmering beetles. He has started to make automata in a Victorian/steampunk style. Shown here is his latest creation, The Waiting Hand, which is a limited edition of 20.

If you would like more information or would like to discuss acquiring a piece you can send an email to: nickrayburn at asky dot com.

Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian & Mechanical

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:01:00 +0000

I don't know why I am surprised to find books on how to make things in the "Steampunk style", but I am. I guess it is truly a mainstream thing now. Anyway, this looks like an interesting book on how to make steampunk jewelry.

A bit about the book:

This how-to jewelry-making book features the work of an array of invited jewelry designers influenced by the growing Steampunk trend....Each project provides a complete materials and tools list, step-by-step instructions, and clear illustrations.

Here the link to Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings

Parrot AR.Drone - Quadrotor helicopter for iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:23:00 +0000

I've never really felt the desire to get an iPhone...until I saw this.

Here is a web site with more info on the ParrotAR.Drone.

[ Thanks Kev! ]

Welded Flea - kinetic metal sculpture

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:12:00 +0000

Andy over at the Workshop Shed blog has made this great metal flea sculpture. Take a look!

Incredible animal sculptures by Ron Pippin

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:22:00 +0000

Take a look at the astounding sculpture by artist Ron Pippin. Shown here is a piece entitled Solar Deer. Below is a detailed photo of the same piece. Wow.

See more sculpture by Ron Pippin on his web site.

[ Thanks Aaron!]

The Pie Factory - great paper automaton kit

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Check out this amazing paper automaton kit and its delightfully dark humor!

Here is where you can get The Pie Factory automaton kit at Cool4Cats.

Sargent Paints Hemy automaton by Newstead

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Take a look at the many subtle and organic motions in this fantastic automaton by Keith Newstead. There are some great views of the mechanism in the video also.

See more automata by Keith Newstead on his web site: www.keithnewsteadautomata.com

OK Go - video for song 'This Too Shall Pass'

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:37:00 +0000

I am sure this video by the band OK GO has been around the internet a lot lately. I don't care! It's too cool to miss.

King Kong automaton by Keith Newstead

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:58:00 +0000

Here is a recently completed automaton by the ingenious Keith Newstead. This automaton is one of two made for a cruise liner. It is a wonderful example of organic motions created by using articulated joints within a figure.

See more automata by Keith Newstead on is web site.

Animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex on sale

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:25:00 +0000

This remote control Tyrannosaurus Rex was selling for $199.95 and is now $129.95. It has some pretty cool features.

From the toy description:

This is the animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex that responds to noise or touch with over 100 different sounds and expressions, providing children with an interactive prehistoric pet. An internal system of servos, gears, and sensors form a biomechanical skeleton that delivers natural movements under a realistic reptilian skin. T. rex's eyes move, his tail wags, and he takes lifelike strides as he autonomously explores his environment. If he walks into a wall or furniture he will backtrack and growl at the impediment. Petting the back of the dinosaur's head elicits a grateful roar and calling his name prompts him to turn his head and walk toward the noise. A bone-shaped remote control has an "attack" button that prompts him to lunge forward and growl; pressing "guard" turns him into a sentry that scans a room for intruders and erupts with a hearty roar; pressing "prank" might cause him to release an ear-ringing belch.

Here the link for this Animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

An unusual "Happy Meal" automaton

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:08:00 +0000

Here's an interesting (hidden) mechanism for you to ponder.

The Boneshakers by Fourteen Balls Toy Company

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:59:00 +0000

Check out the motions on this amazing piece!

From the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre shop site:

An ingenious new piece from the Fourteen Balls Toy Company. Three skeleton cyclists are being chased by a dog. In turn they turn their heads to see if he is still in pursuit, tongue wagging! Matt Smith's new exhibit design has a tremendous sequence and meticulous workmanship. An exquisite collectors piece,

Here's where you can see more pictures of The Boneshakers automaton.

Homunculus - kinetic sculpture by Nemo Gould

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:54:00 +0000

In keeping with one of his favorite themes, here is a new sculpture by Nemo Gould featuring a little figure operating inside a bigger one. This kinetic sculpture incorporates voltage meters, a radio tuner, lamp parts, candlestick parts, table legs, shoe forms, door hardware, wind instruments, trophy figure arms, vacuum tube, a tobacco pipe, thermostat parts, ukulele knobs, velvet, motors, and LEDs. Wow!

See more kinetic sculptures by Nemo Gould on his web site.

Hanayama L'Oeuf cast metal mechanical puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:40:00 +0000

From puzzle maker Hanayama is this intriguing egg-shaped cast puzzle. (L'Oeuf is French for "The egg".) The two plates each have a pin that moves within a track on the opposite plate goal is to separate the two metal pieces and then put them back together. While it may seem straightforward, the puzzle is rated at "intermediate" difficulty, so perhaps there is more to it that it might seem?

If you are interested, here is where you can get the Hanayama L'Oeuf cast metal puzzle.

Automata creations by Viktor Plotnikov

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Check out these fantastic creations by Russian artist Viktor Plotnikov.

Step-by-step carving of a dinosaur marionette

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:01:00 +0000

Wez Champion is documenting his efforts as he makes a very cool dinosaur marionette. Champion says he is a fan of the Prague style of marionette making.

Says the artist:

One of the things I like most about ALL Prague puppets is the way they don't try to hide the fact that they are made from wood... the master craftsmen seem to use the straight edges of chisel cuts to form unique facial expressions and unbelievable style to each character...this is what I someday hope to master for myself!

His blog posts document his project from drawings to roughing out the figure, to carving details. Stay tuned as he goes on to paint and assemble the puppet.

Here is a link to Wez's World -- the blog that documents the making of a marionette.

Martha Stewart learns the history of automata

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:01:00 +0000

Here's a clip of Martha Stewart learning about various forms of automata through history from the famous video game creator and collector, Richard Garriott.

[ Thanks Karin! ]

Rotapult - an astonishing machine by Brad Litwin

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:09:00 +0000

I don't have words for how cool this kinetic sculpture is; just watch the video.

See more sculptures by Brad Litwin on his web site.

[ Thanks Dave! ]

Construction toy with internally illuminated parts

noreply@blogger.com (Dug North) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:53:00 +0000

Here is a new take on a construction toy. As you assemble the translucent parts to make an assortment of designs, a low voltage current supplied by a power base progressively lights up LEDs inside causing the toy to glow in various hues.

From the product description:

You can create antennaed insects, fat-tired dune buggies, streamlined starships, and more with the kit's 72 differently shaped pegs -- straight, t- and u-shaped pegs, wheels, and flat squares -- that have built-in, multi-colored LEDs.

Here's a link to the Lighted Construction KitThe Lighted Construction Kit.