Brushbots by Christian Cerrito

Pictured at Maker Faire Austin, TX, 2008.


Project Description: BrushBots are tiny machines that work in tandem with the user in creating generative art. Released on top of a piece of paper, the BrushBots zoom, careen, and spin around the interior of a simple wooden frame in wild and unpredictable patterns. The user then drops ink, paint, or liquid water colors onto the blank page, providing the Bots with a medium with which to work. As these autonomous paint brushes plow throw the puddles of pigment, they mix colors and often leave beautiful patterns in their wakes. The user and the Bots work together, neither party having full control over the piece, creating a unique work of art. Brushbots allow the user to paint/draw with implicit freedom, as the composition of the work is completely out of their hands.

Brushbots are based on the Bristlebot by Evil Mad Scientist Labs. The latest version of Brushbots use two toothbrush heads for increased stability, rechargable lithium-ion 2450  coin cell batteries, waterproofed pager motors, and laser cut frames. By positioning the brush heads slightly off center, it is possible to get each Bot to behave in a unique fashion. Bristle hardness (soft, medium, or hard) also affects each Bots behavior.

Motivation: To create a simple, easy to build autonomous drawing/painting machine with a distinct “personality” all its own.

Dimensions: Each Brusbot is 1.5″ in diameter. The operate on paper, within frames, of various sizes.

Media: Plexiglass disc, two toothbrushes, watch batteries, liquid watercolor paint, frame, watercolor paper.

Brushbots, 2008 | 2008 | Browse All, Drawing Machines, Interactive, Projects