My name is Anderson Miller, and I'm currently a second year student at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

If you're reading this, it's very possible that you've just come by here because you saw, and were interested in my exhibit in the 2008 Winter Show at ITP.

WheelBug Exhibit

Project Description:

The WheelBug is an experiment in building a creature from the ground up. The bug was produced on a multiple scale, because a swarm aesthetic was desired for the creature. The methods of construction used were rapid prototyping, circuit fabrication, silicone and urethane moulding, 3d Rapid Prototyping, and automotive painting techniques.

Narrative:

The WheelBug eats fried chicken in captivity, because it is a creature that evolved out of Car Culture. It was recently discovered in the western United States, and in it's natural habitat, it eats quite well off a steady diet of leftover fast food that it finds.

The wheels were an evolutionary adaptation to better accommodate moving from fast food institution to fast food institution over asphalt roads. The legs are now completely vestigial, and the bug relies on its wheels entirely for motion.

Technical Details:

Accelerometer (for bump detection and upending detection)

Magnetic Sensor (for food-finding)

Lilypad Arduino Circuit for logic (on a custom circuitboard)

2 Geared Motors

Urethane Cast Body

Rapid Prototyped Initial Form

Additional Media:

Bug Build Photo Set

Videos: