Automatic Movement

The word autonomous defined as self governing, independent, subject of its own laws. This prefix auto- (Automaton) refers to 'self or 'ones own'. i wanted to consider this when configuring a beast. Our interaction with Automata create an emotional response within us. We are entertained by this uncanny 'alive' presence within. 18th century fascination seem to get pleasure from this source of entertainment. Is it pleasure of the unknown becoming understood. This idea of Pleasure Automata sparked interest within me. I started reading the 'myth' of Descartes' and his Automata companion. It is speculated that he had a doll, resembling his late daughter, to become companionship for him. The doll mimic natural movement and voices, typical of many Automata of the time. But what is it about us psychologically that draws us towards these devices. Its this uncanny movement,that draws us to the Automata.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1nxETblSi4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffogonazos%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F2007%2F01%2Fwriting%2Dautomaton%2Ehtml

We escape reality for a second to believe that these aesthetically natural yet distinguishably fake devices have a soul, an inner force that has given it self governing, independence. Perhaps there is a fear of the evil mechanisms, in a controlled setting, that we desire unconsiously. I started looking into my two vivisected devices and want to configure a beast that acts on this principles. I noticed that reversing the polarity ( switching the wires) on the motor, reverses the movement. Now if i can create movement within one object to switch another device like i switch the polarity of the motor, perhaps a combinations of random movements will appear as a self governing entity, no longer a slave to its master, but a uncontrollable beast.

Here are some pics of studying the movement of the turtle Automata using LED's to illuminate moving parts: