Autonomous Kinetic Sculpture mdf, rubber, custom electronics, wood, fingernail of Elon Musk. 2018. (autonomous mode) The roads and sidewalks of Los Angeles are littered with tread-worn tires. SPARE (not mine) is an autonomous sculptural work built from one of such tires. The city, known as the nation’s most car-oriented society, is at the beginning of the most dramatic change to transportation and human labor since the creation of the Ford Model T over 100 years ago in 1908 due to the appearance of the autonomous vehicle. Like self-driving cars, the work uses electronic sensors and AI to gain understanding of itself and the world around it. It is built utilizing micro-computer, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and other electronics to determine its position, rotation, acceleration and objects in its path. The tire, perpetually moving and hitting the wall, leaves its mark along the way. The piece explores the use of AI and the rise of automation, and their effect on human life.

The roads and sidewalks of Los Angeles are littered with tread-worn tires. SPARE (not mine) is an autonomous sculptural work built from one of such tires. The city, known as the nation’s most car-oriented society, is at the beginning of the most dramatic change to transportation and human labor since the creation of the Ford Model T over 100 years ago in 1908 due to the appearance of the autonomous vehicle. Like self-driving cars, the work uses electronic sensors and AI to gain understanding of itself and the world around it. It is built utilizing micro-computer, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and other electronics to determine its position, rotation, acceleration and objects in its path. The tire, perpetually moving and hitting the wall, leaves its mark along the way. The piece explores the use of AI and the rise of automation, and their effect on human life.

SPARE (not mine) was created using a combination of traditional and advanced fabrication techniques. The tire came from one of the many illegally dumped worn tires that litter the streets of Los Angeles. The hubcap and mechanical framework was created using 3D modeling and CAD software such as Fusion 360, Rhino, and Autodesk Maya. The final fabrication of these two parts was done utilizing a 6 axis CNC out of composite foam sheets and aluminum plating. The electronics were created utilizing a combination of traditional analog components and advanced micro-controllers and sensors. The tire itself is controlled utilizing a small microcomputer (Teensy MCU) with a 9-Dof Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor and various motor drivers and sensors.

Total dimensions: 22cm x 56cm x 56cm Weight: 9kg The installation consists of three main components. A tire assembly with mounting hub, a motor and electronics carriage Tire Dimension: 22cm x 56cm x 56cm Tire Weight: 2.3kg Motor Carriage Dimensions: 17cm x 12cm x 17cm Motor Carriage Weight: 1.8kg Battery Dimension (live inside motor carriage): 10cm x 17cm x 12cm Battery Weight: 3kg Battery Type: Sealed Lead Acid Note: Previously batteries were purchased in Japan, during JMAF 2019 festival at a nominal cost. Crating: This work is crated and ready to be shipped. The crate dimensions are roughly 77cm x 77cm x 110cm The work only requires a smooth floor surface with minimum footprint of 2.5m x 1.5m and a minimum of 2.5m of white wall space (left to right).