| Strandbeest | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Theo Jansen |
|
Year of Creation |
2010s |
|
Type |
Kinetic Sculpture |
|
Function |
Collects pressurized air, roaming around |
|
Modifications |
Foot prosthetics for specialized investigations |
|
Location |
|
|
Collected by |
Agents Wilcoxson, Rependata and Barlett |
|
Retrieval |
July 17, 2018 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Looks like a skeletal plastic behemoth flapping across the beach? Probably just a wild strandbeest.
Theo Jansen has been experimenting with these linkage mechanism creations for years. The sculptures are activated by wind power, moving forwards under turbine power. A central linkage system to each leg allows for smooth movement on sand by restricting each joint to one-degree of kinematic freedom. PVC pipe, nylon thread, even plastic soda bottles compose the faux muscles, circulatory stem and bones. Each new “species” is unique and meant to draw upon the successes of the previous iteration.
Effects[]
Exposure to a gusty wind will fill the flaps and power the frame, allowing it to walk on semi-solid surfaces with cadence. Stronger winds allow for higher speeds, although a sail can rip or a joint can disconnect, causing the whole beest to stop.
Collection[]
Doesn’t have any express purposes outside potential mechanical and evolutionary models. It just kept getting in the way of an active WWI beachside retrieval, so the presiding agents decided to take it instead. Also, it just looked fiendish and the on-case thief couldn’t resist. However, Draco has recently consulted with Pete on potential rescue capabilities. Adding specialized legs can allow for landmine detection, swamp traversal and even recreational watercraft.