4th-year New Media student Camden Hampe explores animatronic mechanics for thesis project
In their final year of study New Media students take NMA 82A/B, New Media Thesis. In this year-long class, students create innovative new media productions at an advanced level which are later shared at a professional exhibition curated and produced by the graduating class.
Camden Hampe is using his thesis project to explore the mechanics of animatronics by creating E.M.A.C (Early Micro-controlled Animatronic Concept)
E.M.A.C is an interactive animatronic system that blends 3D printing, electronics, and programmed behavior to explore human–machine interaction. Designed as a responsive character rather than a fixed narrative, it invites audiences to engage, interpret, and project life onto a mechanical performer.
Camden brought an early prototype of E.M.A.C to a critque group run by faculty member Mark Argo. At the critique, students in NMA 82A/B evaluate each others work and provide feedback for the final exhibition.
The New Media Thesis Exhibition is a culmination of artistic practice and professional training in the New Media program at Toronto Metropolitan University. This year’s exhibition, MADE OF: opens on Friday April 24th at Gallery 1888 (20–225 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON).