Lunchtime project for automation and control engineers
This LeaveMeAloneBox is made of LEGOS. Making one of these (Legos or otherwise) might be a fun lunchtime project for automation and control engineers... before next Halloween? See video.
Paul F. Grayson
I saw one of these years ago, around Halloween, on the receptionist's desk at a company I was visiting. There it was, a tiny shiny black plastic box, not connected to anything. The unmarked toggle switch was inviting just anyone to flip the switch. The receptionist was pretending that she did not notice the torment that the presence of the box was causing each of us.
What was the purpose of this box? Why is the switch unmarked? Why is it sitting out where just anyone waiting in the lobby could flip the switch? Was it safe to do that? Who put it there? Is it a toy? Is it a Halloween prank? Who among us is bold enough to just flip the switch and see what happens?
While the debate continued in each of our heads, one among us stepped up to the receptionist’s desk and flipped the switch. She looked up from her work and smiled so it must have been OK. The box made the sound of a small high-speed motor and gear train at work, it rumbled a bit and then part of the box opened slowly and a plastic doll arm slowly reached out toward the switch. By that time we were all crowded around the machine watching it intently as the hand slowly returned the toggle switch to the off position... then suddenly snapped shut.
Since everything up until that point had been in slow motion, its sudden rapid movement and loud sound as it snapped shut startled all of us enough that we each made a small jump back from the machine.
Over the years, I have searched novelty shops for one of these and not found one.
Now through the wonder of the Internet I have discovered a wealth of information about "LeaveMeAloneBoxes.” Maybe you would be up to the challenge of building one of these yourself - to amaze and astound your friends and co-workers?
Ever see one of these? Send me a photo of yours, and some info, if you build one.
Leave a comment about the LeaveMeAloneBox below - click the link if you don't see the comment area.
GO ROBOTS !
Paul F. Grayson - Chief Engineer, AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL MAGIC, LLC
"Small engine and machinery repair" TC TINKERS 4-H ROBOT CLUB
"Science, Engineering, and Technology" 390 4-Mile Rd. S., Traverse City, MI 49685
pgrayson(at)aimagic.org AIM: aimagic.org
TC Tinkers 4-H Robot Club: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/TC_TINKERS_4-H_Robot_Club/
Control Engineering blogs www.controleng.com/blogs
Free 4-H club news letter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TC_TINKERS_4-H_Robot_Club/join
Integrator Guide
| Search the online Automation Integrator Guide |
|
|
|
|
Visit the System Integrators page to view past winners of Control Engineering's System Integrator of the Year Award and learn how to enter the competition. You will also find more information on system integrators and Control System Integrators Association.
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Control Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.