As an artist, I personally wanted to explore the intersection of art and robots. I was inspired by sewing machine’s up and down motions. I had also wanted to use materials and tools other than a ballpoint pen and printer paper. Combining my drawing materials, unwanted materials in the CITRIS Invention Lab, and the design of the sewing machine, I created Scribbles the drawing machine. Scribbles was showcased at the East Bay Mini Maker Faire in 2017.
Creating Scribbles
Scribbles is a drawing machine that functions by dragging and moving pens in an up and down motion. Designed large and spacious, multiple users are able to simultaneously play with the drawing machine. Users are able to customize the speed of the paper and pens. The pens are attached together by strings that congregate together at the top servo motor. Connected to an Arduino Uno, the servo motor may pause and move at different speeds. This allows the pens to make unique patterns. Users may interact with the machine by conveniently swapping out fabrics, paper, pens, brushes, or any artistic utensil of their choice.
Some paper I used included canvas fabric and Japanese rice paper. Users may select the paper of their choice by sliding out the tray located in Scribble’s lower compartment. This lower compartment comprises Scribble's electronics and gives users easy access to swap out paper and store artwork.
Various types of pens, markers, and paint pens were used for this project in addition to different types of paper and fabrics. Two containers on each side of the machine hold a selection of pens and brushes. They are organized at the main base to allow a clean, organized structure to create a messy work of art. After a pen is selected, the user may simply put it in an adjustable pen-holder that attaches to the dangling string.