I was asked by
Natalie Jeremijenko
to create a simulation for her art piece
Robotic Butterflies
(62 dead butterflies generating complex patterns, pins, coupled electronics, Nitonol shape memory alloy 'muscle' wire,
rubber 80" x 80" x 5", a commentary on the Butterfly Effect).
The applet to the right was the result. As you move your mouse, the simulated butterflies produce various emergent flapping patterns. Needless to say, Natalie's final piece was far more powerful than my mere simulation.
Instructions:
One robotic butterfly ``in the flesh'':
click to enlarge Source code: butterflies extends BufferedApplet |