12 April 2021: Finally, creating an Automaton
It seems like it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to work on an automaton proper. My last few months have been primarily learning Arduino and building two different versions of a proximity sensor. I’ve also constructed three or four automaton cases. Each of these cases is custom constructed to fit a specific automaton.
The automaton that I am creating now carries a working title of Five Slat Message Board #1. I had been calling it 1.6 Earths but realized that I need a more generic name because I believe that I will be creating at least several of the Five Slat Message Board automatons.
One of the things that I’ve been creating is the Mark 2 version of the proximity sensor. Five Slat Message Board #1 will contain a Mark 2 proximity sensor, which will turn the automaton on and off in response to people being in front of it.
At the moment I am creating the biped. He will be relaxing in a sort of recumbent position, pedaling.
Limb hinging is an important aspect of this construction. He has no moveable ankles, knees that pivot nylon on hardwood, and leather hips. I am creating the arms and head at this time. The decision of “how to joint” is important. The last thing that I want is for a joint to fail. That said, if a joint does fail I want repairs to be relatively non-destructive.
You will note that his wooden feet will be replaced with sneakers.
