Fire sculpture robots and electric motorcycles @ Maker Faire

Justin Gray’s amazing machines are not to be overlooked – in fact, it would be near-impossible to ignore the awesomeness of Libby the flame-belching robot! –

My dog libby died last year from a un-known brain disorder. I was inspired by the sadness of here death to find the resolve and courage to build my next sculpture:”Robot Libby”
With some financial help from the Crucible and a hard dead line of July 12th 2007 i set out to build the ultimate fire sculpture robot, and in exactly 35 days she was completed and delivered to the 2007 Fire Arts Festival.
My largest solo sculpture, Libby represents a leap into electro-hydraulic animation control systems with multi fuel forced air fire sculpture driven around on top. She is currently using a Futaba T12za transmitter with a custom Nathan Mariels control board driving the switches and blower control. The batterys are 4 12volt 100ah batterys salvaged from UPS which have issues, and are to be replaced by the latest battery technology.
Future work is to include finishing the stainless and bronze skin and adding a high powered ignition system for her “eye ball”. So stay tune,ill post new progress and better images soon.

– In case that’s not enough for ya, he’s also builds roadworthy electric motorcycles –

R84:
28cell lithium (LiFePo), AC induction drive, Curtis AC drive controller, Zivan charger and of course all aluminum battery frames. All this packed into a 2000 Yamaha R1. This bike is currently running and registered with a clean California title. This bike is a prototype that does in fact work and run, however, there is NO WARRANTY!.

– but I bet that bike could guarantee and clean (and green) getaway from angry fire-bots! Make tracks to Maker Faire Bay Area for a first-person view of Justin’s work. Until then, you can find more pics and info @ Justin’s blog

Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.

If you’re in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add “makerfaire” to your Twitter, we’ll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!