
“I was able to add three linear actuators and
power them with an Arduino Nano using a little
individual 12V inverter,” said Loren. “Then I got
it programmed to do two functions, opening
and closing.” The effect is that the arms open
for a person to enter inside and then can gently
enclose them.
“That was a huge hit,” said Loren. “People
loved it.” He got approval to upgrade to linear
servomotors. “Linear actuators will go from
point A to point B at whatever speed they go.
A servo can actually go from point A to point B
over a specific period of time. I was able to make
more complicated functions and then have every
tentacle articulate individually ...