Energy Machine at MOTAT

Energy Machine for the Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre

How Satellite created a sculpture to spark curiosity.

MOTAT wanted to radically redefine the way our tamariki engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There was evidence of a decline in science achievements and a “pattern of disengagement” in schools. Satellite were given the opportunity to create something special which could help address this.

The idea

As a centrepiece for this new space at MOTAT, Satellite designed a large sculptural creative structure to showcase the relationship of energy and matter. A sculpture that would draw visitors into the space and create a sense of wonder within the larger Te Puawānanga spatial environment. It needed to be playful, welcoming and become a talking point for visitors during a visit and beyond.

Typically science centre interactives cater either to a single visitor or family group but we wanted to change that. We gave the Energy Machine a strong collaborative drive, incorporating play with a mix of physical and digital design techniques to engage our young audience.

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The result

The main design driver for the Energy Machine was to create a sculpture that could be physically interacted with by a range of visitors to reach a desired outcome, allowing for individual use or 8 separate visitors contributing to a single high impact outcome. It takes inspiration not only from industry but also nature.

It's described as a ‘machine’ but to a lot of visitors it resembles a creature that is sprawled across the space. This sprawling footprint allows for 8 individuals to contribute their energy to raise the central tower of balls (Galilean cannon) until they blast upwards, but also allows for others to observe the activity and safely move around the space.

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The Build

The talented fabrication team at Satellite designed and built the structure from scratch. Before the welding, riveting, drilling, grinding and bolting began, Satellite laid down the design and planning ground work using Fusion 360 to CAD model up ideas. Materials needed to be selected factoring in strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Then the cutting and shaping started. Every steel and plastic component needed to be precision cut and prepared using an arsenal of tools – from plasma cutters to CNC machining. There were various welding methods at play, including TIG and MIG welding to ensure that the structural integrity of the Energy Machine met specifications.

As the structure took shape, the electronic components were assembled and tested, including computers, sensors, touch screens, LED lighting effects and apps.

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Success

Satellite is extremely proud to have contributed to the sucessful opening the of new Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre. Visitation has increased by nearly 50%, and anecdotally longer than average dwell time across the centre.

Simon Gould, MOTAT Head of Exhibition, states “If you can judge by the numbers of children running straight towards The Energy Machine then you know it’s our biggest hit.”

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In this project