Where Art is a Present of the Mind

Found Object Art: Speedy

Meet robot SPD-E-5X9 or as he his more affectionately known, "Speedy". As a first responder robot, he rushes to the scene of the action and computes variables before the helper droids arrive.

Speedy SPD-E-5X9 - A weathered red and grey first responder robot sculpture by Terry Ernsberger

Name: SPD-E-5X9 "SPEEDY"
Height: 23 inches (.57 meters)
Class: Level one crisis responder
Model: SPD-series rescue mech
Manufacturer: Thorndine Automations

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Speedy

Most elements were found at the local salvage yard. His shoulders are from an old engine, the body is a gas meter, and his head was part of a chain saw.

Speedy the Robot - Front view showing the gas meter body and engine part shoulders

I was inspired by R2-D2 and the robots from the movie Silent Running.

Internal assembly and wiring of the Speedy robot found object sculpture

An old truck tire served as Speedy's shoes. I cut them out with a jig saw then finished them on a table grinder. Repurposing is the key!

Fabricating Speedy's feet from repurposed truck tire rubber

It was a lot of fun distressing the paint to give Speedy a great "used" look.

Rear view of Speedy the robot showing distressed red paint and mechanical detailing
Final completed build of Speedy the first responder robot sculpture by Terry Ernsberger
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