My creations, a new form of life | Theo Jansen

[@brashmadcap]

I can tell you as someone with a strong background in engineering and technology that this is a remarkable feat. One of the most incredible man-made things I've ever witnessed.

[@Jhazmon]

Before I've heared of Theo, I would of never thought of this form of a fusion of grand engineering and art could be possible. What this man has created may be one of the most interesting pieces of art AND engineering we may ever see in a long time.

[@Csp499]

Answer me this, is Theo Jansen anything short of a genius? His work bridges the gap that separates art and engineering, and that's part of what makes a true genius- not entirely the ability to create, but the ability to tear down logical boundaries and redefine the world and ways of thinking.

[@ishansinha1336]

HOW YOU DOING COMRADE ?

[@goomee]

It doesn't matter how many times I see his work, it always amazes me. It is pure brilliance to be capable of making these beasts.

[@blueinkheart]

He made actual living sculptures, using only tubes and water bottles. That's hot.

[@Flowtail]

which begs the question: have people made pornographic kinetic sculptures?

[@animationspace8550]

Well, almost living. All he needs to do now is make them able to make the robots able to make more of themselves some how. Then they will really be alive. As they create more and more of them all by themselves, defects may start to occur and natural selection may shape them as they shaped us. Regular biological animals wouldn't eat them since eating plastic and wood isn't really a thing for beings like us. Though these things may evolve to eat more of their type of life, possible evolving predatory systems. They'd need to eat each other to make more of themselves anyways. Maybe one day, consciousness or even sentience may occur in some obscure and hard-for-humans-to-comprehend kind of way.

[@Zemnmez]

The way he so pointedly makes statements shows his talent. I mean "One problem is the sea. This is the water-feeler, for feeling water." Fundamentally, that is what it is, but to make such a simple statement about such a complex mechanism is the most amazing thing. That is what it was designed to do, and what it does perfectly. You can imagine him thinking in that order. The creature needs to feel water, how would it do that? Those questions form the modules that build the machine.

[@MarkArandjus]

I've seen Theo's creatures before but I never knew they were this complex. It's amazing, there are now wires, no computers operating through sensors no hydraulics just an incredible engineered harmony of mechanics and physics.

[@すもももももももものうち-i5l]

snsで存在を知ったのですが、とても惹かれる素晴らしい作品ですね。知れて嬉しいです。

[@captainsealed]

If we get attacked by plastic, giants crabs from the future, we'll know whom to blame.

[@axion4523]

captainsealed Good one, lol

[@PawnSacrific3]

Skeleton animals coming to steal the gas from your lungs

[@lorraineheth3356]

lol captainsealed

[@Smoovious]

He's an artist... and what is does is kinetic sculpture... His creations come alive, when they start to move independent of anyone making it move, and just moving and responding to the environment. The movement and activity is what he means when he says his creations are alive, as opposed to just some static statue or piece of art just sitting somewhere doing nothing.

[@animationspace8550]

Actually, to finally make them alive he needs to allow them to reproduce in some way and make more of themselves. Then they can be subject to change in defect and begin to evolve. Plants don't have much movement but they are still alive.

[@okb6436]

This man creates sculptures which move like an animals, have pneumatic brains and take energy from the wind. Out of pvc tubes. He's definitely a genius.

[@adfdasfadfdaaaa]

This video made me cry because of pure awesomeness. One day, this man could pretty well be a god for new kind of life.

[@ksp-crafter5907]

Simp!

[@HyNiJo]

People like this make me proud of my country again. No computers no HDD no electrisity. Just an idea and a beautyfull creature. Theo Jansen u are the inventor of the new millenium. We are greatfull of your great mind. (sorry for the bad englisch)

[@svgarceau]

I for one, WELCOME our plastic overlords...

[@giovanna722]

Haha. They seem friendly enough!

[@albertotem]

I adore Theo Jansen's brilliant artwork. I only fuzz when people get fooled by illusions of fine craft. These art creatures are, after all, wind-powered kinetic sculptures. If this was a kite on wheels, people would not even think of calling them alive. It is the precise likeness to natural dynamics (of insects maybe) that takes Jansen's work to the next level. However, I ultimately agree with one commenter, in that these are alive by means of Jansen's soul. This is true, he has given them ANIMA

[@RyaVids]

This is really epic! It looks like just PVC tubes, carpet, and zip ties. I have to show this to my animatronics teacher. I'm really impressed by all this :)

[@seumulhana21]

The fact that Sir Theo calls them animals and claims they're alive, the fact that he names his creations, and the fact that he sees a bright future for his creations can only mean one thing.. He LOVES his creations..

[@bobnrainy]

The Dutch have always been brilliant engineers! This is without a doubt the most important creative synthesis of art and science in our generation!

[@dirtydecade]

when all of humanity is gone these beautiful creations will still be around

[@abyssquick]

this is mind-blowing creativity (and creativity -art- is not garbage, neither is it wasteful) this really stirs the imagination, this is very important stuff. simple, elegant. the sort of thing to get more people interested in sciences and the world around them.

[@lostinitall4414]

What do you mean, "What's the point?" What is NOT the point? Are we not allowed to be creative? There is always a point to any action unless it infringes upon another's ability to do the same. I think this is absolutely brilliant and this world would be a better place if there were more people like this man.

[@inthearmsofsleep]

I agree, nobody should be scared of these things taking over, or even scared of his need to create. He's an artist and a visionary, and has created a lot of beautiful things. No matter how advanced his creations become, nothing will ever compare to that of a human being.

[@katewinterborne]

Sometimes laughter is just an expression of joy, and pleasure in the surprise. It is not always derisive.

[@Saihtam001]

He's dutch, they know how to make joints very well. Awesome inventor!

[@TREYOLDHIPPIE]

Well perhaps I should not use the word everything..but most of us know someone considered gifted and never really got off the ground in life. Brilliant creativity- here, may well arrive from joy and passion for life. Such elegant, graceful motion - moving with the wind and storing the wind!! WOW..! these creations can lead many others to the dream..'green' motion.. thanks again!

[@Deny534]

Theo jansen Вы просто гений своего творения, мне нравятся Ваши механоиды, продолжайте и дальше в том же духе, придумывайте всё новые и новые механизмы. Спасибо Вам огромное за такое чудо.

[@bluheien]

My god!!!!! this guy is so awesome, the animaris are so crazy and wonderful, it makes me think that i'm riculously insignificant....

[@HardTimesFamilyPride]

Excited for the new documentary about this man. Trailer is on his youtube page. All this time and he is still at it!

[@AronRa]

But why do they call this 'evolution'? This is intelligent design.

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

Agreed. This shows intelligent design proceeding in increments... loosely termed "evolution" of ideas and designs and prototypes. Interestingly the design of the legs does use "evolutionary computer programming". But this usage of evolution is not to be confused with "evolution by natural selection" popularised by Huxley and Darwin.

[@slawssson9447]

when people say “evolve” in this context they typically mean that it has changed or improved over time lol.

[@animationspace8550]

Actually, just read in on this and it turns out they refer to it as evolution because he actually did evolve them! He used a genetic algorithm on a computer and had natural selection pick up the best and most feasible designs! Then he took them out of the computer once and for all and made them in real life. The evolution doesn't happen with the physical beests, the real evolution happens in the computer, and the actual machines are a sort of husk of this digital iteration. I find that amazing!

[@prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998]

I love Theo's sense of humor, even if the common man (especially trolls) may not understand... ☻

[@giovanna722]

He 's a wonder himself. Down-to-earth. Bit mischievous, too. Stunning guy.

[@roeliox]

this is the most amazing thing i've seen all year

[@milkysue5496]

Incredible. If this doesn't have some kind of massive impact on the world in years to come, i'd be surprised.

[@toptenhits]

Life is difficult to describe, even for those who study life. I think What is life? is not important here. Pure thought and extraordinary inspiration is the beauty and wonder of Theo Jansen.

[@Archtops]

These designs are far more important than one realizes. If they can survive the beach then they can survive walking on other planets, asteroids or ? without bulk or complication. Pure genius!

[@Basilea.]

Fascinating. One true creator. He has my deepest respects.

[@miketwo345]

Great art. It combines form and function beautifully. The fact that he does it with tubes and bottles goes to show that complicated is not always better. He waxes poetically about this being some kind of new life form, which of course it's not, but it is a damn good example of a minimalistic approach to design. Imagine throwing a microcontroller onto one of these things. I bet it costs practically nothing, too. Incredible.

[@TrilobiteTerror]

In another video he says "what I found about this experience of making new forms of life is that you discover all the problems that the real creator must have had creating this world". Remember as his creations and others creations change and evolve, it is because of their creators own work, in this case the creator is Theo Jansen.

[@FrancescoPerilli]

absolutely love this dreemer.... magician.. artist..

[@lexagon77]

this is unbelievable! what a visionary!

[@DixyRae]

Have you so little sense of wonder, that when someone shows you a new way to perceive the world, your best answer is "meh, whats it good for?"

[@albertotem]

This is true. Life is complex. And as much as I am true admirer of Jansen's art, I contend commenters when they seem unaware of the real complexity of Life. Some think: "because it moves like a bug, its alive". But life is most precious, and not as simple. As I said before though, in the end I do believe they ARE alive: through the life that their creator gives to them. In that sense, they have ANIMA or a soul, kind of like Alexander Calder's Circus!... or any other artwork that is good.

[@kf1000]

I'm seriously concerned about anyone that wouldn't simply view this with wide-eyed amazement. Imagine if they could replicate via a trip to the hardware store!! How cool.

[@deadmalleus]

ted, you are a genius... i just discovered your work, and im already a fan of your work.... this could be a gigantic step to develpment of new tecnologies....

[@nimajneb18]

he has had 16 years to work on these 'animals' and he is still perfecting them. great thinking behind them, the storm anchor, the water detector and the walking mechanism. where can i find out how to make a small scale one?!

[@Drayakir]

This fucking rocks. Sure, it doesn't have any practical value, but the sheer creativity and inventiveness behind it... wow.

[@OsCassador]

@cody thomas- he's using that as an example what he does is art and science, quite beautiful . very davinci.

[@Neur0ticism]

Thoroughly and wholeheartedly impressed by this creation.

[@benjis007]

that was very cool. he is coming up with new ways to approach vast problems and the technique seems elegantly organic.

[@OskarNendes]

Can I like this video two times?

[@Elias-ns2lg]

n0 u cant, who do u think u are

[@isaacg.1185]

J3sus

[@BinaryReader]

How does the last thing with the hammer work?? How was it possible it was driving that hammer on its own? just amazing stuff

[@dotbstudios]

I would love to see one of these up close. Does he showcase these?

[@TeacherFlash]

yes have looked up the definition of "survive" and it means "1. To remain alive or in existence." so i was wrong, yes... dead part of nature can also survive but that again that does not make it alive.

[@Ageispolis3713]

Its not about what its made of. Its the fact that it doesn't rely on anything other than what nature provides. Even the most high tech robot still needs to be powered or charged up, and they need to be repaired. These animals that he has created will live until they die, the same as you or me. I can think of a few organic animals that are less intelligent and do less to protect themselves. This guy is a genius!

[@Kikiclarak]

simply beautiful... its amazing what and a human mind can create!!

[@liqwiz]

Using pneumatics he's able to make a device sense water and turn to the wind. It's bloody amazing.

[@ButterOyama]

Wow so amazing! What a brilliant, fascinating guy... Raises questions about what life really is.

[@thethinking1]

Genius - perhaps more than he realises...one day someone will actualize this in its best/fullest potential. hope i see it. oh and one more thing. try watching any of these Ted's with the inception soundtrack mixed in....AWESOME! :)

[@onthe165]

And to top off how amazing this man is, he's listening to Charles Mingus!

[@Fol2ey]

What are people arguing about?This isn't some syfy movie where their going to take over from humans. This is simply an amazing re-invention of the wheel. I'm not saying it has blood and senses surging through its vains, not at all. But can people not see that he has done with ropes and wood, what scientists have only just managed to do with all the technology in the world! this truly is a great feat and people should admire it for what it is, not what it's not.

[@w00tkid]

well for now, it's simply art. but u never know where this might go in the future. technically, these things aren't "alive," but for the most part they can "survive" on their own. i don't know what to make of all this yet, but i'm definitely inspired.

[@CypressDahlia]

@zoadam I think the attraction lies in how "obsolete" it is. It's amazing to make something so simple yet complex.

[@MColimar]

This man is a genius, I have a feeling we will be using this technology in the future.

[@RicoONelson]

Humanity can be so AMAZING!

[@ksp-crafter5907]

*Could ...

[@smargaret11]

As he has stated his goal is to create life, in a way. You have to think a little abstractly about it, but he wants to make things that can function independently, including striving to preserve their existence like other living things do.

[@aishwariyasweety2433]

Wow just wow It's not everyday I see ideas, works like this. Last time I was swept away like this was when I discovered Salvador Dali.

[@ВсадникАпокалипсиса-я9е]

he's a living genius among us, like Da Vinci in 15th century. Appreciate that, before he's gone

[@EleanorPeterson]

I'd love to see Theo's beautiful creations exploring Mars. Of course, some would fall over, some would get stuck, some would become lost in the huge dust storms, but it'd be nice to let them roam free for a few years before men and women showed up and spoiled everything. We're not fit to set foot on Mars until we've restored Earth to the state we found it in. 🙂

[@penguinscanfly5796]

one of his models can anchor itself in place if there is a storm coming, so if the robot is suitable for conditions like falling and such it would definitely be possible for it to last a lot longer

[@jfeltes2]

This is neat. The "Animal" can detect the water and the dunes and turn around accordingly. I'm not sure exactly how it knows that a storm is coming but it is still very fascinating. Whether it knows what it is doing or not it is a self preserving machine. Maybe some day this machine will change the idea of what life is at its most basic functions. Unfortunately without the ability to reproduce I still would never be able to classify it as a life form.

[@EyeTrack3]

I can't wait to see these working independently

[@mikaugo]

Theo is pure inspiration, best automaton ever!

[@N05Y573M]

Bravo Maestro!

[@Ariebingo]

Something doesn't have to literally be 'alive' to survive. For instance, a house can survive a storm, a plane can survive a crash, a car can survive outdoor conditions. What Theo is does, is design moving sculptures which manage to keep going through difficult circumstances. Because they are kinetic they seem 'alive' -a metaphor used to describe their lifelike movement. So yeah. It's not really alive but it's a simple word that gets across exactly how it behaves :)

[@MonNasser]

Amazing! This is a very brilliant and creative man. His inventions though are neither an 'animal' nor 'creature' as they are not alive.

[@CamiloSanchez1979]

I have always admired his work

[@lapa826]

love the mechanics on how this "animal" works!! but what's the point? what exactly can this be used for besides moving things?

[@tanzanos]

I bow to his ingenuity!

[@illchillkyle]

I would love to see one of these completely recreated in 3D CGI with the same mechanical physics but given a layer of flesh and made to look lifelike!

[@ElementzUK]

If he manages to make this thing sustain itself, then its almost life, it replicates homeostasis, metabolism, response to stimuli and artificial organization. But remember it's only a network of tubes, it cant reproduce etc. It's pretty amazing, imagine where this would lead.

[@BattlegroundVictory]

A UNIQUE VISION... AMAZING!

[@BrandonMeza1]

i love his work and i also agree that the man is a genius, but would anyone mind giving the name of the song that's playing?

[@skeletonmeister]

the tubes aren't biodegradable, but he recycles them. when a Strandbeeste dies, he uses the parts to make others. he also keeps a little "graveyard" of broken ones.

[@D3vilz4dvocate]

The car commercial afterward was almost as cool as these simple life-forms.

[@8legsFreak]

He could equip those automatons with small patern recognition cameras and pincers so they could pick up trash, and clean the beaches (or lawns, or sidewalks and streets in the early morning when there is not much traffic).

[@Project-Air]

What are animals then if not complicated machines reacting and "thinking" about their environment?

[@Freelosopo]

Masterpiece... let us populate Mars with such beasts as well! This is incredible. Already I am excited to see what other technological derivation may arise from this guy's brilliant work. Good job!!!

[@CRabbit86]

What a great inventor! Very cool!

[@piclespar]

makes me cry of emotion.

[@lilithskyblue]

Fascinating. I'm in love! He's a total genius!

[@LeyaLevally]

To scare away people from your prime beach spot.

[@CatwomanJEDI]

Really incredible...this guy rocks.

[@vooght69]

thats so ingenious it's awsome!!!

[@Ravengaurd6]

THEO is a fitting name for this man

[@akisazaki]

wow....... steampunk robot life is real. unbelievable!

[@steviezapata]

no, thats actually a really good Idea! they could coat them with paper and paint them the colors of dinosaurs. the only problem there is the lack of wind in a zoo.

[@PunkishPenguin]

Because he has a passion for what he does. I think he has found more love for these creations than most people find in their families of spouse. If there is a god, I can only hope he felt as passionate towards his creations.

[@TheLovelyMedusa]

THis is awesome... I want a mini one!

[@persephone2706]

He sells models on his website.

[@Ironboxrestingsideways]

This man inspired me too make something. Something small. But it's a start. YT does not allow me to post my video link with comments. So Theo, if you ever read this. Thank you, from India.

[@Eirwyn]

IM GONNA BUILD A TEMPLE AND WORSHIP HIM!!!! this this so inspiring T^T

[@sirnickdon]

I love that he calls them animals...

[@Smoovious]

It is better than a proper wheel because of the terrain it is going to be on, and this design is better suited for walking over obstacles where a wheel would have a better chance of getting stuck and digging into the sand.

[@mene1in]

I could see something like this in a sci-fi movie or something lol its amazing