energy efficiency ← JK

Carnivorous Domestic Entertainment Robots

Oct

17

2012

These five objects are common domestic furniture or machines. They are designed to be powered by microbial fuel cells. They trap insects or small rodents that are found in the house and convert them into energy that can be used to run the device. Mouse Trap Coffee Table (fueled by mice that go after crumbs) ...

Subway Grate Bike Pump

Oct

17

2012

This project idea is inspired by Jean Tiguely’s Homage to New York. I will integrate an element of New York City’s environment into a machine that informs or adds value in a way that cannot be done by digital means. I have chosen the subway grate as my New York City element–there’s something mysterious ...

Brainstorm – Homage to New York

Oct

15

2012

timesquare lullaby machine: light sensors trigger music box or alarm clock (city that never sleeps?) bridges connecting boroughs… coney island freak show, board walk turn-over of stores/restaurants every time turnover happens, change something in sculpture (track address/phone number changes?) future-proof NY: city gentrification flooding? (global warming) terrorism? future-proof NY: citizens ...

Ephemeralization

Oct

15

2012

An essay by Flemming Fulch, accessible here › Ephemeralization by Flemming Funch, 11 Mar 95. Buckminster Fuller was very fond of the word “ephemeralization”, which he used roughly in the sense of “progressively accomplishing more with less”. A gradually smaller and smaller amount of materials and effort will accomplish more and more useful functions. We get ...

Wind and Clock-Powered Knitting Machines

Sep

27

2012

Wind-Powered Knitting Machine This project was mentioned by Kris de Decker in his talk at Lift. It’s a wind-powered knitting machine that knits a scarf. Read the Tech Crunch feature › More on the artist Merel Karhof › Clock-Powered Knitting Machine A project by Siren Elise Wilhelmsen. Read the PSFK article › Pedal-Powered Un-Knitting ...

Lift

Sep

27

2012

“Lift works to identify and anticipate current and emerging usages of digital technologies through research, events, publications and services.” “Lift is a community of pioneers who explore the social implications of new technologies. We aim to turn innovation into opportunity by anticipating the major shifts ahead, and connect the people who drive them. We work together ...