Chassis is a mobile robotic beverage delivery
system. Remote control allows an operator to drive Chassis as
well as operate the beverage spigot and interactive features
like eye blinks and Chassis' head-propeller. Inside Chassis is
a chilled and insulated beer keg or beverage container and a
pressure delivery system to dispense the beverage. A button on
the remote control dispenses the drink through the spigot on
Chassis' front. An intercom system allows Chassis to interact
with people as he is serving: "
say when!"
Chassis stands 55 inches high, and is 30 inches wide. His arms
extend 15 inches in front of his 32 inch length. He weighs 56
pounds, not including beverages. His soft rubber wheels are
non-marking and work on nearly any floor surface including low
carpet, and he can navigate pretty much anywhere a wheelchair
can, with the exception of steep ramps and wide gaps. (In the
case of a robot uprising, there is little to fear as Chassis
is unable to climb stairs.)
Chassis was made from a vintage auto repair lubrication
station by Bay-area
artists
Al Honig
and
Jonathan Foote.
Originally designed to dispense motor oil, we have given him
an electronic brain and retrofitted him with a
beverage-pumping system using pressurized gas. No need to
worry about Chassis' greasy orgins: during construction, he
was sandblasted down to bare metal, then a durable and
sanitary powder-coat finish was baked on. He was then fitted
with brand new food-grade plumbing. Except for that and a few
specialized fittings, Chassis consists entirely of recycled or
refurbished parts.
Chassis is
available for parties or other
human gatherings where drinks are served.