Automata
AUTOMATA
I first became enamored with Automata sculptures in the late 1970’s after discovering San Francisco’s ‘Musee Mecanique’ which is a museum of turn of the century coin operated mechanical sculptures, Automata, stereo-scopes and mechanical music players currently located at Fishermans Wharf area of San Francisco, This coin operated museum should be at the top of every tourists must see list of Bay Area attractions.
My first creations in Automata sculpture were mechanically operated while some of the later ones have been using programmable microprocessors to help operate the sculptures. There is a lot of time involved into making these so I have not made very many. But they are fun!
One nice thing about these projects is the collaborative effort that is needed to make them happen. I solicit friends to help me program the micro-processors, apply painterly effects, sew miniature clothes and provide voice talent.
Check back occasionally, there will be new projects added on with some regularity.
Three Nickels Dispenser
Three Nickels for One Quarter Automata Dispenser designed and built by Peter Hurney 2019, Electrical engineering by Isaac Snyder. The machine has since been changed to two nickels for a quarter, times are rough. But it’s still a heck of a deal. Two for One!!!
Dead Men Don’t Waterski
This hand-cranked box is a “Peppers Ghost” illusion of a waterskiing skeleton, with a music box accompaniment. The skeleton figure appears as a ghost-like image. A cam operated microswitch triggers the internal lighting circuit via a 556 timer chip. Built by Peter Hurney 2019.
Automatic Fork Dispenser
Every modern kitchen should have one of these labor saving devices in it. Concept and Mechanism by Peter Hurney, Arduino programming by Andre Milota. Voices on the video by Julia Napier, Ken Jensen, Lena Ghazarian, Andre Milota and Nicole Eiland. Still camera operator and more by David Silberberg. Berkeley, California 2015
Rube Goldberg Fork Dispenser
Inspired by the novel quirkiness of the other automatic fork dispenser coupled with a childhood fascination with Rube Goldberg machines (thanks Dad) this is the next and (probably) the last fork dispenser that I’ll have to make. This machine was made with the help of Andre Milota’s programming skills using an Arduino microprocessor controllers. The video was made with the on screen talent of Brittany Gunter as the Fork Girl Spokesperson and Ken Jensen as the Fez Man. As always David Silberberg is a good film consultant. Berkeley, California 2017
Fortune Teller
I’m told that everybody loves fortunes so this box was created to dispense fun and witty fortunes written by Nancy Burkee and myself. Isaac Snider unearthed the Uncanny Eyes animation and programmed these two eyes using the Teensie 3.2 microprocessor controller. Debbie Uchida helped make the attractive Art Deco graphics that adorn the box and Geralyn can be seen adding her two bits as well. Berkeley, California 2018
Red Crank Series
Whimisical and light-hearted, crank Automata series with a signature red cranking lever.
Ursula Upset
The Executioner
Fish Frog
Swan Lake Praxinoscope
This mechanism is imagined, designed, conceived and decorated by Peter Hurney, Ballerina animation drawn by Rich Quade. This early type of ‘animation machine’ is called a Praxinoscope. Hand cranking turns the animation and operates a music box which plays the ‘Swan Lake’ melody.
Coin Op Luger Pistol
This coin operated Luger pistol machine takes only twenty five cents per play. Although there's no automated motion, it is still considered an automata creation, and is a recreation of a piece I had made in 1984. The machine is composed of wood, faux metal painting, a coin slot, and a movie prop Luger gun. 2017.
900 Grayson Street
Coin operated Automata sculpture 'Le Chef' by Peter Hurney; installed at 900 Grayson Street, Restaurant in January 2014, Berkeley, California. This is an Arduino microprocessor controlled sculpture. Besides motion, the chef talks sings while he is cooking away and there are six variations of the soundtrack all performed by Ken Jensen of KALX radio, costume by Nancy Burky and programming by Andre Milota.
Coin Operated Chain Drive Kinetic Sculpture
Deposit a dime and watch an exciting twenty seconds of a chain being fed into a boxed section of the sculpture. Sometimes you think you can see the image of the Madonna, sometimes it appears to be the the twin McDonalds arches. And sometimes it’s just a fuzzy soft chain.
Coin Operated Kinetic Sculpture
Coin Operated Toothpick Dispenser
Deposit five cents, receive one toothpick. It’s as simple as that. You do get a small cuckoo bird show as well as the fine toothpick.
Housing and mechanicals are made by me, Peter Hurney
The electrical programming for the Arduino controller was handled competently by Isaac Snider.