Unrestricted Plotting Machine Makes No Limitations Clear
Reviving the 80s: Niklas Roy's Modern Turtle Bots
Niklas Roy, an artist and designer, has brought back to life a classic piece of computer lab history—the two-wheeled robots of the 1980s. These modern versions, known as "turtle bots," function as simple vector graphic plotters, reminiscent of a bygone era yet infused with a contemporary twist.
The brain of these robots is an Arduino Nano, a modern microcontroller, which calculates paths between coordinates, allowing the robots to draw or erase lines on surfaces. This modern approach to the classic design adds a new dimension to the original teaching tools that allowed machines to draw simple vector graphics.
The Logo programming language plays a significant role in the construction and operation of these robots. Logo, a programming language developed in the 1960s, was commonly used with the original two-wheeled robots in the 80s. Niklas Roy's work with the turtle bots continues to be associated with this language, demonstrating its enduring relevance in the field of robotics.
Building these turtle bots is not just a replication of Niklas Roy's work but an opportunity for individuals to create their own versions. The availability of files for building these robots suggests a desire for wider accessibility and collaboration within the robotics community. The parts for building the robots are easily accessible and straightforward, making it a project suitable for both beginners and seasoned robotics enthusiasts.
The robots created by Niklas Roy are not limited to artwork. While they are currently used for creating emergent art through their programmed behaviours and interactions, they could potentially be used for functional plotting as well. A drawing battle between a pair of drawing bots and an eraser bot is reminiscent of a pixelflood screen, a digital art event where artists compete to create the most impressive digital art within a set timeframe.
The two-wheeled robots from the 1980s have been largely forgotten, but not in the workshop of Niklas Roy. His work with these robots is not a new endeavor, as he has previously expressed interest in the Logo programming language. The resurgence of these robots not only pays tribute to the past but also opens up possibilities for the future of robotics and digital art.
For those interested in the Logo programming language and robotics, the files necessary for building Niklas Roy's two-wheeled robots can be downloaded for personal use. The consistency with which these robots draw simple vector graphics continues to surprise Niklas Roy, demonstrating the potential of these machines for both art and functionality.
In the realm of modern technology, it's refreshing to see a nod to the past. Niklas Roy's turtle bots are a testament to the enduring appeal of the two-wheeled robots of the 1980s, and a reminder that the future of robotics and digital art is bright.
