🦉 To be expanded!
Archimedes is a robot owl “familiar” that rides around on my shoulder.
I built the first version for Bay Area Maker Faire in May 2018 (using Google’s AIY Vision Kit), and the second in 2021 (using a MATRIX Voice module). He’s been credited with kicking off the ongoing trend of companion bots in recent years, although I’m by no means the most prolific creator.
Archie serves as an ambassador to start conversations around AI ethics and privacy, exciting upcycled materials, the way we ache to ascribe agency to robots with random behavior patterns, and the ways gadgets can support our physical / mental / social health.
He’s also a platform for me to experiment with novel technologies, materials, and techniques.
Archimedes’ 2025 form (v3) is mostly built from reused and repurposed materials – including parts of previous bots, upcycled bike inner-tubes, and more. Like v2, he has moonstones for eyes, which diffuse LED light and still look pretty when he’s off. :)
Archimedes 2: Robot Owl Familiar
Google AIY Robot Companion - Make:
Modern Wizard Summons Familiar Spirit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmR6Hr4vBJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDvf1s2xFJI