Self-typing typewriter
As part of a big art installation showcasing the ongoing
race between artificial intelligence and humanity, I was
tasked to create a self-
typing typewriter.
I
tackled this task using electromagnetic
solenoids,
each utilizing an activation device
pulling on its
respective key. This solenoid
was connected to relays
that allowed for
quick and safe control of the
critical press
timings using the digital output pins
of a
microcontroller. Furthermore, multiple servos
were
used to control the shift key or the
paper's
vertical position when moving a lever.
The system
also consisted of a stepper motor
used to control the
linear position of the
carriage. The whole system was
hidden
inside a wooden table, making only the
typewriter
visible.
The system was programmed to receive text
digitally
and then convert it into a sequence
for the specific
solenoid activation order.


