Mechanisms
Prop and Film
Power-assisted hand carts.
The Rings of Power carts featured in the Amazon Prime television series are power-assisted hand carts exclusively used by the hobbit characters. This innovative mechanism facilitates the effortless movement of the large, heavy carts by the actors. The system is powered by an e-bike battery and integrates an automatic disc braking system for enhanced safety.
3-axis camera head support.
In Peter Jackson's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, this specially designed 3-axis camera head was employed for capturing miniature scenes. The intricately crafted stepper-driven head, featuring a direct worm drive and constructed entirely from aluminium, enabled precise slow-motion control passes during the filming of miniatures.
Segway modification.
Adapted for hands-free operation, the Segway modification serves as an innovative camera tracking dolly for live-action film shoots, offering a dynamic and flexible solution.
Interactive display
Benmore Power Station interactive model.
The Benmore Power Station features an interactive educational model meticulously crafted from stainless steel. This model illustrates the diverse methods of hydroelectricity generation. Comprising four substantial reservoir tanks, participants can engage with interactive pumps to fill them in different ways. Once the reservoir reaches the desired level, it initiates a process that drives various water wheels, symbolizing the utilization of the generated power.
Interactive Auckland Disaster Model.
Commissioned by the Auckland City Council, This automation machine features manually driven cam-operation. This four-sided, self-contained display model vividly portrays scenarios in four of Auckland's suburbs during a natural disaster. As the handle is turned, the model employs 2D pop-ups and moving elements to illustrate the unfolding course of these disastrous events dynamically.
Dominic Taylor conceived and crafted this interactive display piece during his tenure at Human Dynamo.
Waihi Goldmine Museum Interactive Model.
The Waihi Goldmine Museum hosts an engaging, interactive display showcasing the evolution of power utilization across four distinct ages in the gold mining industry. The initial section exhibits manual labour and horse-drawn wagons. The second age highlights the era of water power, featuring a water wheel propelling a crushing battery. The third age portrays the introduction of steam power, and the fourth, as depicted in the photograph, illustrates the utilization of hydroelectric power, where water serves to drive generators.
Dominic Taylor originated and fashioned this interactive display during his time at Human Dynamo.
Animatronics
Animatronic suit characters
Featured here are the internal mechanisms of animatronic suit characters designed for Peter Jackson's films, including "Frighteners" and "King Kong," as well as the Renaissance Pictures' Hercules TV series. These illustrative examples showcase servo-driven actuators, intricately controlled by both the performer and a radio control unit operator. The synchronization of these servos with flexible skin enables the creatures to convincingly convey a range of emotions.
Art display
Choreographed curtain display
The Dubai PLC-controlled curtain display system features linear drives that skillfully maneuver 400 individual curtain strips through a series of choreographed positions, all synchronized with a captivating soundtrack.
Animated turtle sculpture
Michael Tuffery’s walking turtle sculpture ingeniously utilizes a pressurized air cylinder and is seamlessly controlled via radio control. This innovative design adds a dynamic element to his creation and enables the sculpture to mimic the natural movement of swimming out of the ocean and gracefully traversing up the beach.
