So we “open-dorked” [informally presented] the SWARM project at last night’s Dorkbot. Though we had some tough acts to follow, like author Rudy Rucker and Mark Powell’s ant-flavored gumdrops, a small cheer went up when we put up the first SWARM slide. (I suspect ringers in the audience.)
The presentation went over well, and I think we have some excellent new recruits. More pictures here.
Thanks Lisa for the video. Got it streaming raht cheer:
This past Saturday we got the prototype rolling around on the ground. We ran into some issues.
It’s all fixable stuff. We’ll have to reinforce and redesign the shell.
For the long form from Mike, look below:
1. The shell is buckling severely. This is occuring in the spans between the welds (rather than at the welds.) And it has a shape more consistant with distributed forces parallel to the surface (sideways Read more »
Here’s video of our baby’s first ste…roll!
Find this and other videos on The Rotor Show on blip.tv
We now have an orb that runs under its own power!
Here is a diagram of the orb prototype so far-
Good news everyone! We have a rolling orb as of last night. It doesn’t steer yet and the drivetrain needs some work, but she rolls under her own power. Videos up Real Soon Now.
This came together impressively quickly: I am consistently awed by this team. A big thanks to everyone — you know who you are.
Videos of the prototype shell, finished by Michael late last night.
Congratulations SWARM, you’ve given birth to a happy baby orb! Soon, your scion will be rolling through the world, finding its own way through unimaginable adventures. Enjoy the moment, they grow up so fast these days.
-mike
A simulation of pre-programmed orb motion by Pete Burnight. Imagine orbs rolling in patterns like these.
SWARM is powered by Wordpress | WordPress Theme Design
Recent Comments