CONNECT
Thirteen modules are connected to a matrix. Each module consists of a microcontroller, a stepper motor and a sphere of steel attached to it with a rubber band. A piezo sensor is placed between motor and sphere. So each element could measure and activate its oscillation through a simple feedback mechanism programmed on each chip. A analog bar with a magnet on each side controls the action of each of the system elements. Once a sphere is connected to the bar, it starts swinging as long as the bar detaches an rebuilds a new connection to another sphere. There is no main program outside of the sculpture and no digital connection between the elements. Each module has its own simple program logic and they just start to react to each other because of the physical connections built. No random or chaos must be simulated, because the always rebuilt physical structure of the sculpture becomes its own analogue program for non-linear behaviour. The system produces complex behaviour, although its structure and rules are very simple.
Videodocumentation
http://interface.khm.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/connect.flvEvents
› Market Forces› CONNECT at ARS Electronica Festival 2009
› Arbeiten des lab3 beim lab30 2008
Awards
› Three projects from Lab3 nominated at FILE PRIX LUX› Second prize at Vida awards for CONNECT
› Share Prize 2009
› Honorary Mention, Prix ARS Electronica
› Kölner Design Preis 2008