Sand Shark

This is Sand Shark by Shapour Shahidi, one of the Art & Innovation competitors. I cannot say enough good things about this BEAM robot. Sand Shark is an accomplishment in artistry and craftsmanship.

Power comes from an array of four solar panels, wired in parallel for current. These supply seven of Grant McKee’s Force-Coil solar engines (see Solarbotics’ Pendulum kit documentation for details), all on a common ground.

The rear caudal fin motor is six coils with a magnetic rotor. This is driven by six accompanying Force-Coil SEs, tucked into the head. The motion is transferred to the fin by means of a wooden and metal drive train.

The two side pectoral fins are driven in series by another Force-Coil, tucked beneath the solar cells. The motors are salvaged disk drive mechanisms. Shapour has plans to replace this with a BEAM Phototaxis circuit, perhaps Bicore, for light-seeking behavior.

The entire piece takes my breath away. Take a look at the photographs and the video, too. You might just agree with me.