Construct a music box. Hear the logic of Leonardo's mind at work as he invents the first modern robot, an automatic drummer whose rhythms can be reprogrammed flexibly and whose tempos adjust automatically. Invent your own cadences.
Make One
Parts
Dip the end in glue, then hammer the wheel-handle rod into the wheel.
Hammer the three smaller rods into the chassis.
Slide a rubber band around the middle rod, then slide a key over the pivot rod, farthest from the end. Loop the rubber band over the key, staying on the center rod.
Repeat two more times.
Slide the drum wheel into the chassis' center hole, and pin the wheel to the other end.
Push the thin rods into the keys and attach noisemakers.
Screw the eyes into the drum barrel. If you have trouble, use a pencil for leverage.
The rhythm is determined by your noisemakers and screw-eye placement. Try it out!
Dip the end in glue, then hammer the wheel-handle rod into the wheel.
Hammer the three smaller rods into the chassis.
Slide a rubber band around the middle rod, then slide a key over the pivot rod, farthest from the end. Loop the rubber band over the key, staying on the center rod.
Repeat two more times.
Slide the drum wheel into the chassis' center hole, and pin the wheel to the other end.
Push the thin rods into the keys and attach noisemakers.
Screw the eyes into the drum barrel. If you have trouble, use a pencil for leverage.
The rhythm is determined by your noisemakers and screw-eye placement. Try it out!
