Robot School, Student Journal #1138

Infrared to Audio Hands (IRAH)

Part of my RISD BFA Thesis, IRAH is less of a robot and more of a prototype for a body implant. Infrared sensors sewn into a pair of gloves control the vertical and horizontal position of a virtual brush on a virtual projected page. Using Processing, the image is put together as

Posted at 12am on 05/13/08 | no comments | Filed Under: arduino, bfa thesis, mark-making, processing read on

Barrier Avoiding Robotic Brush (BARB)

Part of my RISD BFA Thesis, BARB is a fully autonomous robot that avoids obstacles via two infrared eyes. An ink dispenser attached to her back allows her to draw the path she takes on the paper. BARB is based on this Instructable by a smart fellow named Brandon.

Posted at 12am on 05/13/08 | no comments | Filed Under: arduino, bfa thesis, mark-making read on

About

Robot School, Student Journal #1138 is stage two in my three stage process of ideation through projects dealing with physical computing from a fine arts perspective. You can see stage one here; and stage three here.

During my senior year at the Rhode Island School of Design, at which I studied Graphic Design, I began to focus on the possibilities of physical computing in the fine arts. An introductory course in basic electrical engineering and computer program got me started and the rest I’ve been self-teaching along the way as needed.

Some issues that surround my work currently are: physical image creation, life and death on the internet, temporary communities, and communication between digital and mechanical systems and humans.

My traditional training as a graphic designer encourages me to approach problems with the intent of solving them practically and efficiently. My appreciation for the fine arts lets me tackle subjects that cannot or should not be solved practically and efficiently.

Contact me at miles (at) milesgilbert.org.