Tap dancing robots powered by pneumatics 08 October 2014

A troupe of eight tap dancing robots, controlled by the public, is proving one of the most popular events at the Merge Arts, Music and Performance Festival, on London's Bankside.

It was created by Peter William Holden, a British installation artist based in Leipzig, Germany, with help from Thorite – in the form of a loaned compressor that brings the pneumatically-activated robots to life.

The Festival's organisers approached Thorite for assistance as the dancers are located in disused commercial premises in Bankside without an adequate power supply.

Stephen Wright, Thorite's managing director, says he was pleased to assist and arranged for a 3bhp single phase Hydrovane compressor to be delivered to the venue and connected to the robots.

"Peter's machines are really fascinating, combining high-level engineering skills with top quality fabrication to produce a spectacle which is completely beguiling," comments Wright.

"I'm delighted that Thorite has been able to provide the motive power for the robots to perform their complex dances with such impressive precision," he adds.

Holden says he uses his knowledge of applied mathematics, engineering and pneumatics to make kinetic sculptures, which have been presented at numerous exhibitions and festivals around the world.

Merge is an annual festival running from 18 September to 12 October 2014 and is curated by Illuminate Productions, which takes contemporary art out of gallery situations and into the public domain.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Thorite Bradford Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.