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Generative Pen-Trained Transformer: DIY Art Project

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Teddy Warner is reviving his Generative Pen-trained Transformer (GPenT) project, a DIY art machine. Originally conceived years ago, the project uses GPT-3.5 to generate numbers that control an SVG blob generator. The output then drives a pen plotter, creating art. The project fell by the wayside, but is now back with updated technology.

At its core, the GPenT is a wall-mounted polargraph. This machine uses two motors to move a gondola, which holds a pen. The design includes a wooden frame, stepper motors, and a gondola assembly with servo-controlled pen movement. The author references the Makelangelo for software and hardware inspiration, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.

The author 3D-prints the gondola parts using woodfill PLA, sanding them for a smooth finish. The gondola incorporates 6806-2RS ball bearings. Counterweights, calculated to maintain belt tension, are a key part of the design. The author details the belt length calculation, emphasizing the need for precision. The project demonstrates the intersection of AI, DIY hardware, and artistic expression.