The Art of Motion Control. Bruce Shapiro has experimented with salvaged components of the automation industry since 1990. Initially building his own CNC rigs in order to explore algorithmic sculpture, the machines eventually evolved into kinetic sculptures themselves. Since 1999, he has permanently installed large-scale works at science centers both in the U.S and Canada, as well as Europe. Some create pictures with bubbles, some produce amazing dune patterns in sand, and some dance using silk flying through the air. While using very different materials, all demonstrate the wonderful potential of converting technology developed for the purpose of increasing factory production into whimsical and beautiful kinetic sculpture which inspires learning. Convinced that “Motion Control” is both a new medium for artistic expression and a great way to get kids into science, Shapiro focuses his passion on creating public art and teaching. He has taught DIY motion control to youths both in this country and abroad, and has large-scale artworks permanently installed in science centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The Maker Faire is May 19 & 20 at the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Get your tickets in advance now, avoid the lines and save a few bucks.
6 thoughts on “Maker Faire: The art of motion control”
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He buys most of his automation surplus from us: dnsmp(dot)com it’s great to see his work finally recognized.
I live in St. Paul and have seen many of these machines because they are in the Minnesota science museum. At the museum, they even have (maybe had, I’m not sure if it’s still around) a class for kids where they could work with Shapiro (I assume because it said “with the creator”) and make their own design for the bubble tower in the lobby and the two sand robots in the education department. Cool stuff, wish I would have done it.
I built one of Bruce’s egg bots shown on his website and and had a great time doing it. My two sons loved working up designs for the eggs. They really liked drawing with the keyboard arrrow keys.
I hope to build many more of his designs.