In the vast and ever-shifting landscape of Burning Man, locating your camp amidst a sea of tents and art installations can be a daunting task. But for one ingenious camper, a unique solution emerged: dancing robots made of LED lights.
Dancing Robots Light Up the Night
Instructables user “r570sv” conceived a captivating camp marker for Burning Man 2018 that would not only guide his fellow campers but also add a touch of whimsy to the desert gathering. The centerpiece of this creation was a trio of LED dancing robots, each crafted from 1/8″ steel wire and adorned with vibrant single-color red LED strips, meticulously secured with zip ties.
iRobota Choreographs the Dance
To bring life to his robotic dancers, “r570sv” employed an iRobota microcontroller and a bank of relays, meticulously orchestrating the sequential illumination of the three robotic panels. This intricate choreography resulted in mesmerizing animations akin to a neon sign, captivating the attention of all who beheld it.
Flagpole Provides Sturdy Base and Power
To ensure the dancing robots’ visibility and stability, “r570sv” ingeniously attached the flagpole used to raise the animated sculpture to his truck. This clever solution provided a sturdy base for the robots and a convenient source of 12V power, ensuring their uninterrupted performance throughout the festival.
Inspiration from Burning Man Theme and Practicality
The inspiration for the dancing robots stemmed from a confluence of factors: the 2018 Burning Man theme, the desire for a useful marker for both Burning Man and beach camping, and “r570sv”‘s expertise in metalworking and iRobota programming. The result was a creation that not only fulfilled its practical purpose but also embodied the spirit of creativity and self-expression that permeates Burning Man.
Festive Atmosphere and Practicality
The dancing robots not only served as an effective camp marker, but they also added a festive and playful atmosphere to the desert gathering. Their mesmerizing movements and vibrant colors drew curious onlookers, creating a sense of community and shared wonder.
Bonus: Beyond Burning Man, the dancing robots have found a new home at the creator’s beach camping site, where they continue to delight fellow campers and passersby alike. The project has also garnered significant attention online, inspiring others to create their own unique camp markers and embrace the spirit of creativity and self-expression that defines Burning Man.
As the sun sets on another unforgettable Burning Man, the dancing robots stand as a testament to the power of ingenuity and the transformative nature of art in unexpected places.
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