BusyBody - pose and animate a little figure in minutes!

Rufus Seder of Eye Think has just come up with this wonderful animation toy! You pose ten identical bendy figures a little differently in sequence. Then, when you spin the turntable you will see the results animated in the mirror rotating at the center of the toy. What a fun gizmo!

Here is where you can get the BusyBody Quick Pose Animator.

If you are into this type of animation, you might also check out this Praxinoscope available from Amazon. Not unlike the BusyBody, this optical device uses mirrors, paper, and a platform to create moving pictures. When you spin the platform, you can view the animations through the mask plate. It includes printed discs and blank discs for creating your own animation.

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'AUTÓMATA' movie explores what life might be like in the not-too-distant future

With a name like AUTÓMATA I am almost obligated to post news of this upcoming movie. Clearly, it's borrowing some of its major themes from Asimov's classic novel titled I, Robot. One also catches the scent of Blade Runner. Still, the trailer does look exciting.

A synopsis from the film's official web site:

Fast forward fifty years into the future, planet earth is in the midst of gradual desertification. Mankind struggles to survive as the environment deteriorates and the slow regression of the human race begins in AUTÓMATA. On the brink of life and the reality of death, technology combats the prevailing uncertainty and fear with the creation of the first quantum android, the Automata Pilgrim 7000. Designed to bring support to society's plight, man and robot reveal what it means to co-exist in a culture defined by human nature.

The descent of civilization is juxtaposed by the rise of ROC, the corporation at the helm of robotic intelligence. Despite the demise of humanity, the company has set forth security protocols to ensure mankind always maintains control over the manufactured population.As ROC insurance agent, Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas) routinely investigates cases and complaints surrounding defective androids, he begins to uncover the secrets behind who is really manipulating the Automata Pilgrim 7000. Jacq's own suspicions propel the mystery — uncovering a truth that is far more complex than the make or model of any machine.

Here is where you can learn more about the upcoming film, AUTÓMATA.

[ Thanks Glenn! ]

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Walking wooden Frankenstein monster -- IT'S ALIVE!

Here's another fun creation from Roberto Lou Ma -- the man that provided us free plans for a Ramp-walking Wooden Rhino as well as free plans for a Ramp-walking Wooden robot. Oh...yes, he also designed and created plans for a Ramp-walking Bird too!

Measuring 32 centimeters high, the Frankenstein model shown in the video is his largest ramp-walker creation so far. The slow lumbering walk is perfect for Frankenstein! I love the outstretched arms and detail in the figure. Very well done.

I'm not sure if plans will be available for the Frankenstein walker, but you can see all of Roberto Lou Ma's wooden creations on his YouTube channel.

If you happen to love ramp-walkers, you might clike the book Walking Automata: A Collection of Self-Moving Models to Cut Out and Make. The book has seven walker projects in total: Noah's Ark, a pirate ship, three sizes of duck, a kangaroo, and a blue footed booby.

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Props from the movie Hugo online and in person

The Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props blog has a great post featuring a number of photographs from an exhibit of items used in the movie HUGO. Among the items shown are the outfits the actors wore and one of the automata created for the film (shown above).

You can also see some of the props from the movie in person! If you can make it to Scotland, there is a HUGO exhibition now open at The House of Automata, where you can see props used in the film and gain insight into the making of the film from people involved. A very rare opportunity!

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House of Automata - Consultants on Hugo movie

More exciting news about next week's release of the movie Hugo! Michael and Maria Start from The House of Automata served as expert consultants for the movie makers for all aspects of automata. In addition, they gave instruction to actors such as Jude Law, and also provided automata from their extensive collection for props in the film. They were recently featured on a STV -- a Scottish news program. Congratulations to The House of Automata on a job well done and much deserved!

Here is a link to the segment on STV featuring The House of Automata.

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