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This is one of two public art proposals selected in competition for Austin's new airport by David Santos and James Perez. The other proposal chosen was- Monumental Sculpture at Austin's New Airport. |
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Fly Sculptures was an art concept approved by the AIPP jury but ineligible for 1% funds.
Austin is the birthplace of "Flying Sculptures", artworks of diverse appearance that swim through the air and carry sophisticated sensor/computer and multi media systems. Their irresistible magical quality has attracted a great deal of national and international acclaim.
A new next generation of robotic aircraft will be ready to soar into the large interior spaces of the New Airport at its opening.
There are several exciting concepts being built. A blimp can be made which is neutrally balanced (no pendulum stability) so that it is capable of acrobatics such as loops and rolls. Also, one can provide a wireless video link to a miniature on board video projector which gives the blimp a awesomely futuristic video billboard. An on board camera is an easy enhancement allowing the blimp to be an aerial mirror or telepresence platform.
Other concepts currently in production include free form "hanging mobile" blimps which liberate Calder's invention from the ceiling and are actually capable of being steered thru space by carefully timed propulsion thrusts. Another idea being pursued include blimp walkers that walk about like giant zombies and winged humanoids that make great slow motion leaps across the floor. A lot of work is also focused on intelligent autonomous control systems. In the past these have used scanning sonar and neural net computing. Improved artificial intelligence based on machine vision is in development.
This work also includes a video production component, including the "blimp cams". The resulting media will be available for the video wall and tourist promotion.
Outreach with flying sculptures has been ongoing at Summit Elementary's Soaring Skyward, in its fifth year.
We propose to cover all operations of the aircraft for a mutually agreed term. Others may pick up the job if desired.
The Blimps are surprisingly robust and last indefinitely with routine hobbyist level maintenance. The most ephemeral component, the gas bag, is capable of hundreds of flights and is easily replaced. Video and other media spin off provides an enduring dimension to the proposed work.
There is no tangible safety issue to their use indoors. If punctured or malfunctioning they drift gently to Earth. They are filled with fire safe helium and parts weigh only a few ounces. Effectively weightless, they are generally incapable of harm.
Flying Robots at the New Airport- http://www.polycosmos.org/alta/sculptur/flying.htm
The State of the Art- http://www.polycosmos.org/robotgrp/roboblmp/roboblmp.htm
Early Flying Sculpture-http://www.polycosmos.org/robotgrp/roboblmp/cmdrsalm.htm
Thanks for flying PolyCosmos. Join us again.
Past Robot Blimp Work