node 5:5

'node 5:5' is a remarkable large-scale kinetic audiovisual installation created by Ryoichi Kurokawa. The installation features 10 sets of actuators and lasers that project synchronized red laser beams onto a 4K projection image. In this project, I took on the responsibilities of video footage creation, technical research and direction, as well as actuator motion control. We explored various approaches to bring Ryoichi's vision to life. One of the major technical challenges we faced was projecting the laser beam from a distance of 40 meters away from the screen and swiftly moving it left and right. After careful consideration, we devised a solution that involved positioning the laser units at different heights on the side of the truss wall. The lasers were directed towards a pentaprism mounted on a moving actuator, and the pentaprism reflected the laser beam onto the screen. To achieve the desired laser motion composition, we selected FESTO's high-speed and high-acceleration toothed belt axis. The motion of the lasers was controlled using TwinCAT3 and ofxBeckhoffADS, resulting in precise control with delays of less than 10 milliseconds for all 10 FESTO axes.