‘Muscle Machine ‘ is a six legged walking robot actuated by pneumatic rubber muscles that explores a novel hybrid human-machine system. It is powered by pneumatics, utilising fluid muscle actuators - rubber muscles that contract when inflated, producing pulling forces.
The inventor and operator Stelarc composes the sounds by choreographing the movements of the machine. He stands on the ground amidst the machine leg structure which incorporates a skeletal frame connecting the human body to the machine. Encoders on the frame joints will provide information that will allow the human controller to move and direct the machine as well as vary the speed at which it will travel. For example, the action of the human operator lifting a leg will lift 3 alternate machine legs and swing them forward. By turning its torso, the body will make the machine walk in the direction it is facing. The action of lifting and lowering the arms will slow or speed up the motion of the machine. Thus the interface and interaction will be a direct and natural one, allowing a new kind of intuitive human-machine choreography.
Stan Wijnans designed the sensor system in collaboration with V2 and programmed the interactive sound in MAX see also Masters of Art project.