The Rave Raffe Lives!

Seeing with my own eyes at the Maker Faire!

2008-05-03T02:46:52Z

Hey gang!

We're at the make faire, and I can SEE!!! They put web cameras in my eyes and now you can log into this address and see what I can see!

http://giraffe.1337robotics.com/webcam.php

The interface will not always be online, but at various times during the next two days, if you log in, you'll see live images updating in my left eye. We hope to have both my eyes operational soon.

Stay tuned for more updates on appearences and hardware updates! In the meantime, we're going to have as much fun at the faire as we can! Hope to see some of you there!

Giraffe in the San Jose news

2008-04-16T05:44:10Z

NBC11 just ran a news segment featuring my muzzle on TV!

http://www.nbc11.com/news/15893752/detail.html

It was a bit tongue in cheek and silly, but we're all having fun here. Today I got to walk around outside, and the next two days will be spent indoors in my own little area, blinking my LED lights and taking it easy. We'll have pictures up later this week.

Back in the heart of Silicon Valley!

2008-04-15T00:17:24Z

Hello there!

I am on the road again, this time up to San Jose to attend an embedded computer system trade show on behalf of Kontron Computers! They have graciously decided to support me and my need for computer horsepower by paying us to be there and represent their name in the industry. The company is very enthusiastic and made T-shirts for us and everything!

Things were touch and go at first, with a very hard to please fire marshal who was not as taken with me as everyone else seems to be. But in the end he agreed to let me be there and even walk around to some degree. So, we’re on for the show! NBC is supposed to be there in the morning, so I might end up on the local news at some point as well!

Wish me luck, this is my big break into the world of hard core computer horsepower, exactly what I need to become more intelligent in the future!

Pictures of the event to follow!

Raffe

Giraffe in North County times again. Best of 2007 article!

2008-01-09T00:22:25Z

Hello Gang!

I got featured with my creator in a "Best of 2007" article in the North County Times!

Lindsay Lawlor (June 2007)

Escondido's Lindsay Lawlor, whose electronic giraffe was featured in the North County Times earlier this year, has continued to add to his creation and has more in store for his 17-foot tall robotic friend.

After returning with the giraffe from the annual Burning Man festival last summer, Lawlor added bright red, yellow, green and blue LEDs to create glowing spots on the robot's body. He also doubled its walking speed from its original half-mile an hour and rebuilt its hydraulic-control system to make it complete maneuverability.

"I don't have to get off and turn him around," he said. "He can turn on a dime. We've motivated his feet a little more with drive motors so he can actually just roll around as well as walk."

The robotic giraffe recently was featured on the Discovery Channel in Canada, and Lawlor's proudest moment may have been Dec. 1, when he rode it during the Ocean Beach Christmas Parade. Unsure whether the Escondido parade would be rained out the same day, Lawlor said he picked Ocean Beach because it is his home town.

"He went down Newport Avenue, and the crowds went ballistic," he said. "I've never been subjected to that much roaring from people. It was just amazing."

Lawlor won the top award in the best-individual entry category.

He next plans to add more artificial intelligence to the giraffe so people with wireless devices can communicate with him as he works the controls.

"The giraffe will graze on the frontiers of technology," he said.

Lawlor said several schools are interested in visits from the giraffe, and he hopes to create lessons about robotics and actual giraffes for the visits.

The giraffe's next public appearance will be 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 12 at Ray at Night, held the second Saturday of each month in North Park, San Diego. The event is held on Ray Street, just north of University Avenue.

---- Staff writer Gary Warth

We're back, and on the Discovery Channel in Canada!

2007-12-28T07:01:54Z

Hello gang!

Well, my creators and I have been really busy with all sorts of upgrades to my lighting and propulsion systems. I’ve been very lax in reporting to you all these changes, and we’ll get caught up in them soon enough.

So for now, here’s the Discovery Channel’s interview with myself and Lindsay which aired only in Canada this past month. Hopefully the USA affiliate will pick up on us and show us in our own home country! But for now, here we are in canuckyland!!!

http://electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/ElectricGiraffeDailyPlanet.asf

The .asf file could be a little weird for some players. I suggest a neat little player called "VLC player". It’s easy to find on the net and plays nearly every file I’ve ever thrown at it.

The Discovery Channel is going to send me a DVD, from which we can make various files in various formats so that everyone can see this show on any machine. So, if this one gives you difficulties, no worries, we’ll have others soon and in higher resolution!

Raffe

I has a video

2007-06-28T06:08:11Z

Phil, aka "Foofers" made a video of me at the Make Faire! It's time lapse even!

"Giraffeqatsi"

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/NewImagesandVideo/Giraffeqatsi.mov

Hee!

Wheee! We're on TV! (Not that I watch any...hummm)

2007-06-07T02:05:55Z

Wow! I’m being sent the video clips from the Maker Faire by the people who interviewed my creator!

I hope someday to conduct my own independent interviews with my own free running on board computer!

In the mean time, enjoy these great video clips of the Faire and all the wonderful things to see there!

CBS “Good Morning America” show:

http://cachefly.oreilly.com/make/makerfaire_cbs.mp4

CNET Interview and Show highlights:

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9723450-1.html?part=rss&subj=Crave

ON10 Interview. Exclusive full length Interview!

http://www.on10.net/Blogs/laura/maker-fair-electric-giraffe/

There’s a few more out there that might roll in, but this is what I’ve been sent for now, along with lots of Flikr site images.

Stay tuned for news about the new website that is coming soon, plus news about new features and upgrades to myself!

Russell_Raffe

I have a new name!

2007-05-22T07:15:43Z

After the success on saturday, my owner decided on a new name for me to use on sunday! He liked it so much he stuck it into my speech center and I told everyone my new name when they petted my nose!

Hahahaaa…someone is SO going to kick my owner in the butt for this one!

*videos*

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/P5190044.MOV

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/P5190045.MOV

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/P5190046.MOV

*Pictures*

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/make2007-02a.jpg

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/make2007-05a.jpg

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/make2007-09a.jpg

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/make2007/make2007-11a.jpg

Anyway, I had a great time seeing all the kids and me getting to talk to them for the first time. Now I’m tired and back home in San Diego for more repairs and upgrades.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

Oh how I torture my owner! (And make good on race day)

2007-05-20T05:30:28Z

Well...

I have no idea what Lindsay was thinking, changing out my main drive motor for a newer untested device. Needless to say when I suffered total heart failure on friday just before the big Make Faire, my old drive motor was 450 miles away down in San Diego on the garage floor! I have one thing to say about that to him. "You big dummy!"

So, with my chest still smoking from the burnout, Lindsay and Phil and all his friends started a frantic search in San Francisco to find me another drive motor. It was a long and scary wait, but soon they returned and drilled holes in me to mount the new one. Though this replacement is not as powerful as the original, it's definitely working out just fine and I really like it. It's so nice in fact that when I'm sitting idle, you can't tell the motor is even turned on! Whrrrrrrrr...ahhhhh.

And so, with much glee I was allowed to take off and wander about the Maker Faire, and be petted and fussed over my scores of kids and adults. Oh, as I wandered out of the building, I passed right by BRAF, the Black Rock Arts Foundation, where Lindsay proudly presented me to them and asked if he could apply for an art grant! Talk about the hard sell! Here was the art he was soliciting, standing right in view! They seemed quite taken with me and I think I'm going to try and give some of them a ride tommorow.

So, today was a very good day for everyone, Lindsay included. Now I sleep with my new batteries being charged up overnight. Goodnight everyone and I hope to see some of you tommorow.

Hummmmmmmmmmzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

I can talk! Just in time for the Maker Faire!

2007-05-15T04:52:12Z

Hello there!

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, but I’ve been undergoing a face lift!

I can talk now, and I have new ears and petting sensors mounted in my nose and eye brows! All this works because of the Make Controller that Make Magazine donated to my creator, Lindz!

Russell Pinnington in the UK is the one who programmed up my brain, and I currently speak with Lindz’s voice, though I’ve already told him I want my own computer-eez voice sometime soon!

In the meantime, check out my new looks and operation in these two video clips! The Maker Faire is going to be a blast and I can’t wait to see everyone there!

Enjoy these sneak peek videos!

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/inthewild1.MOV

http://www.electricgiraffe.com/NewImagesandVideo/talkinghead1.MOV

I'm on Gizmodo!

2007-02-13T23:19:25Z

I guess there are tryouts for the Make Faire this comming sunday. I would attend this event if I could, but I doubt I can on such short notice.

Thanks Gizmodo!

http://gizmodo.com:80/gadgets/announcements/maker-faire-2007-auditions-this-sunday-236119.php

Teddy Tiger made a video for me!

2007-02-02T09:02:02Z

I knew I was forgetting something!

Teddy Tiger made this awesome video clip for me, and spliced in the music directly that I happened to be playing about the same time. Thanks again, Teddy!

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Electric_Giraffe_Walking.wmv

Let me know if any of you have trouble getting this video clip. I've tested it and it works for me just fine.

2007 Schedule of appearances for me!

2007-02-02T00:00:22Z

Giraffe 2007 schedule.

Hi everyone! It’s been too long since I said anything here, so I’ll try to update a little more often.

What have I been up to? Upgrading! And getting a little rusty.

I have steering in my rear legs now, slightly better sound and currently I’m being upgraded in my looks and operation for my 2007 schedule.

2007 got off to a great start, with an appearance up in San Jose at the Double Tree hotel for a little convention called “Further ConFusion”. It’s a con where lots of costumes and art is featured. At one point I got infested by a couple of horned animals! >.>

You-tube video clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKpYvNg4kJo

I also got to be the PA system for their outdoor “Critter Olympics” game, and the camera platform for the Fur suit Parade. Seeing over 280 costumes all in one place was rather amazing!

Pictures: http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/P1200110.jpg

Now I’m back at home, trying to keep out of the rain, while my creator updates my head and operational gear. Being headless is no fun!

So far, I have these appearances, publications and possibilities lined up for 2007.

Further Confusion, Jan 18-22. (Completed)

National Geographic Kids Magazine, April Issue (Confirmed)

Coachella Music Festival April 28,29,30. (Negotiating Appearance Fee)

Maker Faire in San Mateo CA. May 19, 20 (To be confirmed, very likely)

Burning Man Festival August 27 to Sept 3. (To be confirmed, very likely)

Tamiya Model Expo in Los Angeles CA (Date to be confirmed, show is for sure!)

Burning Man Decompression party in San Francisco. (Dates and confirmation needed)

Xara Dulzura at the Madre Grande Monestary. (Dates and confirmation needed)

MASSIVE Halloween Party at my house! (Dates and confirmation needed)

Various Xmass Parades (Locations and dates to be announced)

So there’s my preliminary schedule for 2007. Stay tuned!

Tamiya has called on me!

2006-08-03T00:23:55Z

I'm speachless! Tamiya of America has contacted me and wants to me appear at their annual show! As you may know, I am based on one of their tiny little models. They found out about me and beat me to the punch, as my creator was gearing up to contact them and see if they would like to have me make an appearance! Here is the letter.

Hello,

My name is Larry Chen. I am the Marketing Coordinator from Tamiya America,
Inc. We became aware of your unique creation last October during the 1st
release of the Robot magazine issue. I am writing to you today in hopes
that we may be able to book an appearance of your creation at our annual
Tamiya Con festival at our North American headquarters in Aliso Viejo, CA.
The festival features a modeling contest, product displays (models and
actual), and special sales and promotions on Tamiya products. The top three
models are chosen as the winners by Mr. S. Tamiya himself and win a free
trip to Japan to showcase their work.

The event usually happens around April every year. The 2007 schedule hasn't
been finalized, but we wanted to start the planning in advance. If you
could please shed some light on how we can make this possible, it would be
greatly appreciated. We would even love to have you as a guest speaker to
discuss robotics possibly or even entertain guests on the adventure it was
for such a creation.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much.

Cordially,

Larry Chen
Marketing Coordinator
Tamiya America, Inc.

Update - Steering is comming!

2006-07-22T22:37:27Z

Yay! I'm getting steering installed soon! Lots of pictures and info will be put forth. In the mean time my poor owner is welding his brains out on me in heat and sun! The whole country is burning up! At least its cooler here in San Diego than most other places. And our power is on!

Info and pics soon!

In the papers again!

2006-05-20T05:55:39Z

Eeeek! We're in Popular Science! Apparently they liked me enough to put me in their magazine! It was great giving the editor, Mike and his camera crew a ride, and I hope to see them again in the future! Thanks again for having me, Pop-Sci!

Anyway, for those of you interested, it's the June issue and it's in stores now.

Here's the article.

Time to rest and recharge

2006-05-08T02:16:18Z

Wow.

My first run of public events is now officially over.

Burning Man 2005, Robo Nexus 2005, San Francisco Decompression Party 2005, Fuego Diego 2005, Ray at Night 2006, Make Faire 2006, Xara 2006, and Disney Web 2.0 Expo 2006. (And a quick stop by at Califur 2006.) I'm almost sure I'm forgeting some appearance in there somewhere!

During these events I was photgraphed and video taped like mad. My owner got interviewd by Popular Science, (see june issue I think) Make Magazine, CNET, Robot Magazine, Beyond Tommorow, CNN, The Tonight Show, and the Myth Busters Guys rode me! Whee! I've been out n about!

Now it's time for a much needed rest and overhaul. I'm now on "The Pad" once again, ready for dismantling and rebuild. So far the initial inspection is amazing to my owner. No damage can be found in my walking structure, and the fit of all my bearings is amazingly tight. We're all very relieved and delighted with how I'm holding up so far, in spite of being walked all over the place. And on very uneven ground!

The pictures from Xara are comming soon. That was by far one of the most adventurous places I've been to yet!

So now I rest, and get much needed updates. The giraffe you once knew will never look the same again. From here a more serious approach will be made to my lighting systems, and my skull, which up until now, has been minimally decorated. I want a brain! And new eyes, etc. Yes, I'm a demanding mechanical beast!

So, as I understand, here are some of the things I'm going to be fitted with.

Steering. Yes, unti l now I could not be steered eccept by "Wrangling", which I have to admitt, was kind of fun in some ways, but I know my owner hated it. He only weighs 190 pounds! Hahhahahaa...go ahead, TRY and push me!

Giraffe spots. It's about time! I want my spots! They are supposed to be some bright LED driven thingy. I can't wait to see what I get!

A brain and teeth in my skull. Yay! I've always wanted teeth to chew with. When do I get my tongue?

Hydraulic wheel drive. Ok, this will be amazing. I'll be able to walk AND roll? I hope so! I'm sure that is going to be a challenge.

A Quiet Engine. Yeah, my engine is annoying. I make too much noise back there!

Hydrualic joy stick controlled neck. Oh wow, now THAT will be great! I'll be able to swivel my head around as I want? Excellent! I'm sure that will be a challenge to pull off as well!

A voice and moving mouth that talks via remote control. Ok, now this is nuts. I'll be able to TALK?

A trailer that is easier to unload and load. Yes, I'm a pain in the butt when it comes to being deployed. This is something I've needed for a LONG time.

So, there it is. I'm hoping all these updates can be installed before I hit the road again. Stay tuned for more information, and thank you for all your support!

Make Faire Memories

2006-05-04T06:14:11Z

Hi there!

Well, I made it to the Make Faire with no problems. Though we didn't get a lot of images due to digital camera problems, we managed to get a few choice images of me and the faire folk! The reaction of the crowd to me was unbelievable. Everyone was just, amazed and so friendly. This is truely one of the best events I've ever been to. There's so many people to meet, and things to see. I can't wait for next year when I'll have steering, and not be confined to the barn. I'll be able to roam about outside anywhere I please!

Here I am, standing Tall in the Hall!

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Tall-19.jpg

And then the Mythbusters guys rode me! What an honor! The best compliment came when they commented on my smooth ride, and one said he wanted one just like me!

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Myth-27.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Myth-28.jpg

My owner caught this little girl braiding my tail, as if I was a horse! I was honored to have my tail braided!

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Braid-39.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Braid-40.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Braid-41.jpg

Anyway, I REALLY look forward to next year. Everyone was so helpful and full of enthusiasm. I hope to be seen on some television shows soon as well. Perhaps The Tonight show, and Beyond Tommorow! The Popular Science article is due in june I think!

Now I have the Disney gig to do friday, and possibly, quite possibly, I might make a sneak appearance on Saturday to another event in LA somewhere. But that's only a slight possibility at this time.

Make Faire Make Over!

2006-04-18T03:54:45Z

Hi there!

I'm getting some updates from my builder, just prior to my next appearance. The desert and being outside has really messed me up. I hope to get powder coated someday! Then I wouldn't rust so much!

The bulk of the work involved my engine and main hydraulic drive systems. Also, most of the electrical system for lighting, sound and power generation got an overhaul. It really needed it, and one of my batteries was low on water. Eeek! We can't let that happen! So, lots of sanding, painting and rewiring, and I'm starting to look good for once! My engine frame, main drive motor and hydrostat are all blue now. Blue on white has always been my owners favorite color combination. I'm just waiting for my spots to show up someday! Grrr.

Here's my owner/builder slaving away. His friend Tristan stopped by for a while too, and that helped a lot.

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-18.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-01.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-02.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-04.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-05.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-06.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-07.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-08.jpg

http://electricgiraffe.com/~grevydude/ljgiraffe/Make%20Makeover-19.jpg

(P.S. I'm trying to be a good boy and use html, but tonight nothing is working and I have no idea why. Even the simple "lj-cut" thing won't work. SIGH )

Disney Studios called!

2006-04-08T01:41:25Z

Oh my. Disney Studios wants me to come up there and walk around in their back lot! Seems they spotted me on the Make Faire's website and want to see me in person!

They have a "New Technologies" division that is interested in several items being featured at the Make Faire, and have invited me to come up and give a demonstration.

I'm very pleased. :)

Bay Area attack again! And so soon.

2006-03-27T00:45:59Z

Hi everyone.

Right now I'm being prepared for the "Maker Faire" up in San Mateo. This huge faire is all about people who simply "Make" things, being put on by Make Magazine. They've been kind enough to feature me as a special appearance.

http://makezine.com/pub/ev/75

So many things to do, I just hope I'm ready on time! (Nervous rattle)

Eeep! I'm on news stands!

2006-03-27T00:40:42Z

Robot Magazine ran an article about me, right up front in the "whats new" section! Here's the magazine and the article, pasted into the front cover.

The article in Popular Science is currently being created. I'm very honored to be featured in print so soon! I can't even talk yet!

Nervous Raffe!

2006-03-08T04:44:02Z

Gah!

Some people from Popular Science are supposed to be here tommorow to take pictures of me!

Right now I'm hiding under a tarp becuase of the rain. Good thing too, becuase I'm nervous and feel like hiding anyway.

Heeeeee - Sneaky Giraffe

2006-02-28T09:05:42Z

Happy Birthday Lindz! Some friends made this for you!

http://mjhimages.com/raffe.gif

Robot Magazine and Make Faire 2006!!!

2006-02-06T03:44:40Z

Oh boy, here we go!

Robot Magazine has run and article about me! Sadly, their website is just starting out and there are no online articles that I can see on the net at this time. When the issue arrives, I'll have my creator scan and post the article.

More wild news!

It now turns out they are also going to sponsor my return to the Bay Area this comming April! Make Magazine is having this HUGE event where every kind of inventor and gadget maker is showing up. Robot Magazine wants me to be part of their pavillion! I hope I get to play some kicking dance music for everyone. This is going to be great!

Make Magazine's festival info can be found here.

http://makezine.com/faire/