We now have this book back in stock. Automata – Movable Illustration by Aquio Nishida. Imported from Japan, this is a delightful book from automata maker and director of a contemporary toy museum in Japan, Arima Toy and Automata Museum. There are plenty of drawings and photographs. The text is in Japanese with only partial […]
Archives for 2012
Laetitia – Princess of the Air by Pierre Mayer
The latest in the series of Magic Automata from French Artist, Pierre Mayer. This automaton differs from the previous one: the Fechner’s levitation. It uses a completely different principle, no magnets this time. Laetitia floats in the air when you turn the handle and the arms raise. A mirror at her back shows there is […]
Building the Boxes for Wood Automata – Dug’s Tips 7
Building the Boxes for Wood Automata There is no rule that says the mechanism for a wood automaton must be contained inside of a box, but the practice does have some advantages. A box makes a sturdy base, provides even surfaces for mounting mechanisms and figures, and can make the construction process easier. While there […]
Jokebots
This Jokebot automaton is a special commission made by Paul Spooner last year as a surprise 40th Birthday present for a collector. The head of the robot is styled on piece of Swiss cheese. Here are some of Paul’s thought processes and insights into the mechanics of the piece. IN SEARCH OF RANDOM Most of […]
Deluxe Designing Automata Kit – All Gone!
This box contains everything you need to get started with automata design. Contents: 1. Designing Automata Kit. The classic CMT kit – No glue or tools are required, and you will learn about simple mechanics using cams and a crank slider mechanism. Many different designs can be made, and the kit used over and over […]