Is a painting painted by a robot really art? On the other hand, is that question even of concern to the person immersed in the beauty and enjoyment of the creative fusioneering process?
Paul Kirby
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A GUIDING PRINCIPLE EMERGES After studying with renowned artist, David Leffel, Paul is exposed to the power of the brush stroke and determines to create a robot capable of handling the brush with elegance and precision.
AUTOMATING THE PAINTING ROBOT’S WRIST Design and construction of the robot began by solving the mechanisms of the human wrist. Creating a flexible and capable way to hold the brush was key to any further success.
AUTOMATING X, Y and Z Moving the brush assembly up, down, in, out and side-to-side was addressed as the next part of construction of the robot
DULCINEA'S CONTROL COMPUTER and SIX FEET TALL OF ELECTRONICS Housed in a cabinet next to the robot, it's control computer is created and later expanded to allow for additional duties like brush washing and storing of paints.
WHO WASHES THE BRUSH, AND THEN LOADS NEW PAINT? After a preliminary painting or two, Paul determined to create a way the robot could load its own paint and wash brushes becoming truly self-sufficient.