Woodworking enthusiast devotes six years to constructing the allegedly impractical "1,000-pixel wood panel" – modified CNC machine, fractured into pieces, frequently alters a single pixel every 10 minutes.
The Kilopixel: A Unique Pixel Display Created with Common Maker Tools
Engineer Ben Holmen has unveiled the Kilopixel, a large and inefficient 1000-pixel display made of stained wood blocks. The device, located in Holman's office and controlled by the internet, is now open to public usage via a web app [1][4].
The Kilopixel's construction is a fusion of traditional woodworking, CNC-inspired mechanical design, and 3D fabrication tools. Holman initially considered using components common to 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters, such as motors, extruded aluminum framing, and pulleys. However, he eventually turned to his preferred medium, wood, and settled on cubic wooden pixels instead of spherical ones [1][2][4].
The 40x25 grid of wooden cube "pixels" is precisely sized and mounted on shelves drilled with holes. Metal wires are used to thread the pixels, ensuring uniformity and independent movement of each block. The rotational motion of pixels is achieved via a robotic arm or tool mounted on a gantry, reminiscent of CNC machines [2].
Holman spent several weeks of his free time assembling the Kilopixel display, using a jig to refine the manufacturing process for precision [1]. He abandoned the idea of using ping pong ball 'pixels' and Nerf balls during the development process due to material issues that arose during testing [1][2].
The Kilopixel's web app offers three modes: user-submitted drawings, real-time collaborative images, and idle mode generation of shapes and patterns. The app is controlled by a basic CNC controller that Holman cannibalized for the project [2]. An instruction aimed at the third axis powers the wood pixel poking mechanism to refresh/orient the pixel to show the correct face.
Visitors to the Kilopixel website can see a currently rendering image and a queue of images to be displayed. Users can draw and submit their own images to the Kilopixel display, adding a personal touch to this unique pixel display [1][4].
Holmen envisions the Kilopixel being used in public spaces like coffee shops, transforming these spaces into interactive and engaging environments [4]. A video guide to the inner workings of the device is available, although it is 9 hours and 50 minutes long [4].
The Kilopixel is a testament to Holman's creativity and resourcefulness, demonstrating that with the right tools and a bit of ingenuity, one can create something truly unique and captivating.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/1/22754603/kilopixel-wooden-pixel-display-ben-holmen-cnn-cnc-maker-tech [2] https://www.wired.com/story/kilopixel-worlds-largest-wooden-pixel-display/ [3] https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/kilopixel-worlds-largest-wooden-pixel-display/ [4] https://www.kilopx.com/
- Holman's creation, the Kilopixel, combines technology in the form of a basic CNC controller with traditional woodworking methods, artificial intelligence being an unspoken contributor through the user-submitted drawings and collaborative images.
- In the future, Holman plans to place the Kilopixel in public spaces similar to coffee shops, using artificial-intelligence-fueled displays to enhance these areas with engaging, interactive experiences, reflecting the fusion of conventional craftsmanship and modern gadgets.
