This section describes science/artworks resulting from specially commissioned and funded projects. (All the works profiled on this page may be commissioned.)

To see the museum exhibits and science exploration tools we have developed for our consulting clients, please view the Sample Projects under our Consulting Services area.

Please contact TechnoFrolics' director David Durlach to discuss consulting, commissioned works and collaborative projects.

Currently available project profiles include:

The Tower of Triangles™ (TOT) - The TOT performs as a dynamic kinetic sign, interactive physics exhibit and performance artwork.
 
Aerovertica™ Flying Propellers - The Aerovertica flying propellers delight audiences with displays of aerodynamic acrobatics.The propeller-winged shapes glide and fly, hover and reverse directions in response to the varying rotation speed of the shafts on which they are mounted.
 
TechnoFrolics' Works at MIT Dedication Ceremonies

TechnoFrolics' kinetic artworks, interactive exhibits and custom mobiles played an instrumental role at the dedication ceremonies for the new Albert and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Simmons Hall Dormitory.

 

 

The Tower of Triangles™

The Tower of Triangles (TOT) performs as a dynamic kinetic sign, interactive physics exhibit, and performance artwork. When at rest, the TOT appears to be a simple, elegant, three-sided column. In performance, the triangular prisms that comprise the column come to life.

Linked by a patented mechanism that allows for wave travel across the elements, and set in motion by computer-controlled motors at either end of the display, the prisms exhibit a surprising and delightful range of motions.

The TOT is by turns fluid and graceful, chaotic and funny, able to change style of movement and mood instantly. The TOT's variability in appearance, size and function makes it accessible for unique innovative attractions in a wide range of spaces. The display can be choreographed to move silently, dance with music, or perform in synch with a narrative.

The TOT as Physics Exhibit

The TOT's unique method of integrating of wave motion and chaotic dynamics offers science exhibit developers an unparalleled medium for presenting these physics concepts to the public in exciting memorable demonstrations. At low excitation energies the TOT acts as a linear wave medium. As the stored energy increases, the inter-prism coupling force becomes non-linear and the display evidences a transition from orderly to chaotic behavior, similar to such transitions seen in natural phenomena. An optional interactive element permits visitors to explore mechanical resonances and standing wave node placement as a function of driving frequency, phase, and amplitude. The TOT's varied behaviors clearly demonstrate common wave principles such as reflection, absorption, superposition, and more.

The TOT as Kinetic Artwork

The TOT can be designed as a live "playable" visual performance instrument, as a kinetic science/artwork programmed for automatic dances, as a clock, or as a combination of all three. External light sources and reflective panel materials can be combined to create an artwork that casts dancing light across an installation space. Selection of surface pattern and color, choreography, and (optional) accompanying music all combine to create a unique performance sculpture.

The TOT's History

The core technology of the TOT was developed in part through a two year grant from the SBIR program of the National Science Foundation.

A pair of TOT prototypes made their debut at Discover Magazine's annual Technology Awards ceremony at Disney's EPCOT Center in May of 1997. These TOTs, situated on the main stage, entertained the EPCOT audience in a performance that showcased their abilities as live Visual Performance Instruments.

 

Aerovertica™ Flying Propellers

We'd like to acknowledge and thank Blake Gleason, Mechanical Engineering major, Harvard University, class of '98, who contributed significantly to the development of the flying propellers. Mr. Gleason's work on Aerovertica was also the subject of his senior thesis project, for which he won a design award.

Aerovertica, installed at COSI Columbus, delights audiences with displays of aerodynamic acrobatics.The propeller-winged shapes glide and fly, hover and reverse directions in response to the varying rotation speed of the shafts on which they are mounted.The shafts can be either computer controlled or hand-operated, providing various options for exciting kinetic performances, visitor interactivity and the exploration of aerodynamic motion.

In Detail

Propeller-winged shapes, in the form of numbers, letters or hollow spheres are mounted on thin vertical shafts. Under computer or hand-operated control the shafts can be spun at varying speeds.

Varying the rotation speed of each shaft affects the ascent or descent rate of each element, causing the shapes to move up and down along the shaft.

The installation at COSI is an interactive version that provides visitors with an uplifting and mesmerizing experience as they control the flying motions of the elements by turning a dial.

With a computer-controlled version, the elements could provide intricately-controlled performances. Elements can glide incredibly slowly along the shafts, then suddenly take off at lightning speed. They can race one another up the shafts, hover in place while spinning, or become absolutely motionless for a split second when the shaft motion is stopped.

As Timepiece and Chime

In this implementation of the exhibit, elements can represent hours, minutes and seconds, with the vertical position of the shape along the shaft marking the time.

At regular intervals, the exhibit will break out of timekeeping mode into visual performance/chiming mode. Bells or cymbals placed at the tops and bottoms of the shafts, create the percussive accents in a visual performance.

(The chimes could also be struck by the elements to sound on half hour or hour intervals.)

 

TechnoFrolics' Works at MIT Dedication Ceremonies

TechnoFrolics' kinetic artworks, interactive exhibits and custom mobiles played an instrumental role at the dedication ceremonies for the new Albert and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Simmons Hall Dormitory.

Situated within a large darkened tent located on MIT's Briggs Athletic Field, a troupe of Dancing Banners™ artwork performed for arriving visitors including MIT President Charles M. Vest, donors Richard and Dorothy Simmons, architects Steven Holl and Timothy Bade, and other dignitaries. Spotlights cast upon the colored banners, created a secondary dance of shadows throughout the inside of the tent.

Multiple interactive Spin Browser™ video explorers with plasma screens installed near the squash courts and within the weight rooms enabled visitors to explore the new facility's athletic activities and offerings. Content ranged from high-speed videos of divers, to a point-of-view walkthrough tour of the new facility.