P R O J E C T . P R O C E S S / I N F O

This project -- iNTERFACE -- is a telerobotic installation piece by Canadian artist Garnet Hertz. On a fundamental level, its primary goal is to create an inexpensive low-tech telerobotic machine that is controllable through the web.

Beyond only producing a web-interfaced machine, it is in the artist's intent to explore and generate theories of digital space and experience -- especially the interface between digital interaction and physical output.

s t a t u s
o f . p r o j e c t

Currently, the machine is fully operational yet offline. The project has been actualized, and further research by Garnet Hertz is continuing with more web-controlled machines.

The machine mark-makes on a floor surface, and is watched and controlled by an overhead camera. To view images made by th e operational machine, visit :

The project was actualized in an online connection for roughly four hours in april of 1996.

The current design of the system was based on this sketch to the above right. Using a camera that hangs from the ceiling, the drawing-machine scuttles below. Also pictured to the right is an image of the actual device system.

a . s h o r t . h i s t o r y

The project, formerly named doppelgänger, began in August of 1995.

Several different designs for the device were proposed and worked on. To view a collection of the different models and designs of this project, visit the:


t e c h n i c a l i t i e s

A majority of time on this project was spent learning technical data. The struggle encountered with technology was tremendous -- at the start of this project the artist had no formal experience with robotics, electrical systems, and the interfacing of these systems.

Using a "hack" technique, the device and system was cobbled together at a total cost of $100. Using trailing-edge technology, the machine utilized inexpensive motors, used R/C servos, "hockey puck" wheels, and a frame of welded scrap metal.

r e s p o n s e s

Many artists: the power plug is the enemy. [pictured to the right].

Viewers at website: build a tele-destructive device. For view some of these reponses, visit: