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FOURTH PORTAL
GATEWAY TO THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Lasers and Robots Talk
28 January 2024
Funki Porcini discussed the design and engineering behind his 800-laser Laserium rig in advance of the full one-hour immersive shows, joined by Andy Payne, who assisted with its engineering, and Nicky Cure from Mechanismo. Together, they explored the intersections of lasers, robotics, and design, including the creation of the Crawley Bots.
The Fourth Portal hosted a post-Gravesham Light Festival talk featuring the creators of the Laserium laser rig and the Crawly Bots. Prior to his immersive evening performances, Ninja Tune legend Funki Porcini (James Braddell) discussed the development of his 800-laser rig, alongside engineer Andy Payne and artist Nicky Cure, the minds behind the Crawly Bots. These robots, bridging the gap between remote-controlled cars and fully autonomous machines, roamed both the Fourth Portal and the LV21 Lightship throughout the weekend, engaging visitors of all ages. The discussion delved into design processes and audience perceptions of both the Laserium and the Crawly Bots.
At the conclusion of the page, a video elucidates the differences between viewable lasers, as showcased in the Laserium, and those capable of cutting materials.
Inspirational and Innovative
While walking the Thames Path, Elvin, Head of Data Analytics for a FinTech company, and his companion encountered the Crawly Bots. After interacting with them briefly, Elvin encapsulated the essence of the talk and the Fourth Portal in a 50-second video, highlighting the connections between play, robotics, learning, and knowledge exchange.
3D Printed Light Reader
Software Engineer Graham Klyne introduced the developing Monotype Compositions Tape Reader at the event. Led by artist Dawn Cole, Monotype Compositions is an ongoing collaboration with Graham and the Fourth Portal to develop an audio reader for a punched spool from a Monotype printing machine. This spool was used in printing the diary of Dawn's Great Aunt, Clarice Spratling, a WWI VAD nurse. The discussion highlighted the distinctions between light readers and lasers.
The Lasers and Robots talk was free to attend.
About Mechanismo
Mechanismo is a creative technology initiative based in Warwick, UK, specialising in playful, creative technology and joyful robotics. Their projects include various robotic creations, such as the Crawly Bots, which exemplify their commitment to engaging and innovative design.
Lasers and Robots were free to attend.
This event has ended.
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