Fontys Engineering participates in GLOW, the light festival in Eindhoven, every year as part of the minor BeCreative. During the first six months of the project, a group comes up with an idea, makes the design and develops it into the first working prototype. Sponsors for the project must also be sought. In the second half of the year, a new group will start with the prototype and develop it further (upscaling, extending, improving reliability and visual attractiveness) so that the artwork can be on display at the GLOW festival.
Project description
In recent years, the earth has been deteriorating considerably due to the long-term presence of humans. As a result, nature is becoming less and less beautiful and more and more animals are becoming extinct. To reflect on everything that is going on with nature and to experience its beauty, it is best to walk right through it. The dragonfly itself is a point of attention, as 16% of all species of dragonflies are on the verge of extinction, due to the destruction of swamps and jungles for the expansion of agriculture and urbanization.
To merge technology and the beauty of nature for the GLOW festival, mechanical dragonflies are the perfect solution! The beauty of these insects comes to life at night through light. Because the dragonflies are life-size and you can walk through a swarm of dragonflies, you can really reflect on the beauty of them.
Project results
The final prototype consists of a moving dragonfly, with luminous tail and wings. The eyes are not yet fully developed, but a lot of work has already been done on this. We are proud that we have succeeded in delivering a working prototype. In addition, a lot of time has been spent arranging sponsors for the project. This has resulted in two sponsors.
Our vision is to make a total of 11 dragonflies. In this way, the visitors of Glow can walk among the dragonflies.
Video
Acknowledgements
The project team would like to thank Glow Eindhoven and the Glow Academy nights for their valuable support.