dorkbot ABQ
time: June 28th, 2009 — 6pm
place:

The Factory on 5th
1715 5th Street NW, 87102 (map)


 

Who Presented:

Zoot Azure - Ah, robots everywhere. But once you've got a nice group of 'bots running around, things get chaotic (and kinda dull) quickly because they all treat each other as obstacles.

We're working on a simple IR-based "natural" communication protocol for 'bots/devices to be able to "play" and "make friends" with each other without having to know any platform specific features about each other.

We have a whole string of ideas coming in from a studies group concerning interactions, skill acquisition and subsequent rewards for successful outcomes. We are also looking for input on ideas for a kind of 'bot "playpen", one that allows for physical avatars would be nice. The idea is to give the observer a way to virtually "handle" and interact with the 'bots without destroying them. The basic concept is to let the user control a single 'bot --- although the 'bot would still have it's basic reflexes intact so that the user couldn't drive it into a wall, over a cliff. Then the user could use the 'bot to nudge other 'bots into positions, or say "hi" or whatever.
www.youtube.com - video (SyBorg video)

Guy Seaberg - This console houses 3 systems: computing, switching and sound. It was designed to process images, videos, files of any type, and display them through the switching system. It has 8 outputs for distribution to projectors, flat panel displays, television pickups, etc. It has 4 user-interface screens for processing, cuing and displaying – any screen to any output - and the outputs can be programmed and automated. It was designed for and tested in courtrooms, for lawyers. It’s relatively light but very rugged and entirely mobile, handcrafted of aluminum.

The question: how else might it be used for high-speed data/image processing and presentation?. Especially applications for artists, galleries, museums and the like. One concept = the digital art gallery - hundreds/thousands? ( there’s no limit ) of works by artists projected/distributed anywhere, simultaneously. Along with videos, eg interviews, artist at work.

Another concept: use by VJs.
Input invited.

DuWayne Blankley will bring his school bus conversion for us to view. Albuquerque once had 4 wheel drive school buses back in the day. DuWayne found a bus and modified it into a work truck. This fully functional truck has a wonderful road warrior appeal that leaves no trace of school bus, and performs odd jobs.