The assignment: Create a scene that incorporates a robotic arm, crane or similar type of device to pick up and place down another object.
Research
I searched through YouTube searching for videos of vintage jukebox mechanisms. I settled on this video of a Wurlitzer Baltic:
Sketches
I pulled out my trusty graph paper to align elements, as much as possible, to a 10×10 grid, then drew it in Illustrator to get a precisely drawn arm that could be imported into 3ds Max for beveling.
Of course the gears required a little extra attention:
Textures
Not being able to find any satisfactory textures for the record, I resolved to create my own. I borrowed a few 45rpm single from a neighbour, picked the most photogenic one, and set up a small photographic rig (click through for notes on the setup).
With a bit of trial and error, I think I came up with a pretty satisfactory texture.
Audio, and Results
Several hours later, I emerged from the Seneca@York learning commons, rendered video in tow. On returning home, I hooked up a record player to my audio-in, fired up Audacity, and recorded the standard “needle-hitting-vinyl” sound and the first few seconds of a perhaps-familiar track. Here’s the finished result.
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