Mechanical Man Walking
Brass, Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel
Weight-Drive Version 63” x 11” x 11”
Spring-Drive Version 30” x11” x11”
This is another piece in a series of mechanical studies of the human figure in motion. Machine elements (gear, cam, crank, linkage) assembled into a model of the male nude also serve as the mechanism that animates the model in the sequence of movements that represent the distinctive gait of the male human. As an experiment in moving sculpture, the automaton is tasked with exhibiting the elegance and power of an ordinary human occupation.
I make Mechanical Man Walking in both a weight-drive version and a spring-drive version.
The weight-drive version occupies more vertical space in order to accommodate the falling weight, and mounts to a wall. The spring-drive version is more compact and rests on a tabletop.
A brief technical description of the mechanics of the piece begins with the clockwork in the base, which facilitates lifting the copper weight or winding the springs by turning the crank. The gearing then communicates the force of the weight or the springs to the figure. Integrated into the figure itself, a series of synchronized cams, cranks and linkages animate it, while the speed governor located in the head regulates the entire mechanism via the gear train that forms the torso.
Weight Drive
Video – Weight Drive
Spring Drive
Video – Spring Drive
