Sunbots: DIY Robots to Liberate Your Houseplants

About Open Source Gowanus | Kathleen McDermott: I Thought It Would Be Funny | Sunbots Workshop

June 9, 2018
3-5pm
OS Gowanus (234 Butler St., Brooklyn)
RSVP here

In this workshop, led by artist Kathleen McDermott, students will learn how to assemble a robot that is designed to take a houseplant into the sun. In addition to learning about how this simple robot functions, students will have the opportunity to design new “bodies” for the plantbot, using recycled materials. By considering the placement of the wheels and the shape of the robot body, students have the opportunity to explore the appearance, movement and behavior of the plant robot. These design decisions may lead to larger conceptual questions regarding the future of robots and the environment.

RSVP is required for this event.

This workshop is open to participants 14 years and older. Supplies will be provided. A laptop is helpful, but not required. Participants will not be able to take home the projects/electronics, but we will take videos at the end and send to participants.

See some sunbots in action here!

Kathleen McDermott is a media artist with a background in installation and sculpture. She combines her knowledge of fabrication and sculpture with open-source hardware to build a language of absurdity, using homemade electronic hardware experiments in a storytelling practice sometimes referred to as “performance with robots,” or “critical wearable practice.” She is interested in technologies that are not productive, robots badly suited to absurd purposes and electronic creations beyond her control.