Serious tickling machine thread needs support

[jabjab23]

Over at Tickle Theater, I and another member are talking about plans for designing and eventually building a home-made tickle machine. I'm not talking about a little massager that you hold against your body that creates a little tickling sensation, but a computer-controlled device with modules, "arms" if you will, that can wield a variety of devices to tickle the user. We're also considering how it would work with self-bondage techniques that prevent you from escaping or turning off the machine for a period of time. If this interests you at all please check out the thread in the tickling discussion section over there. Even if you think it's a ridiculous pipe dream right now, just keep an eye on it.

http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=55891

What we really need now is people with engineering and programming experience to turn theory into design. If you think you might have something to contribute to the discussion PLEASE go over there and lend a word. We're not talking about stuff built from Lego but real mechanical components that I at least am unfamiliar with. Or we can continue the discussion here. Sometimes I really think we ought to combine these boards so I don't have to jump around so much.

Thank you for your time. God willing in 5 years time we'll look back on this as the thread that started a beautiful thing for us all. At the very least it will be an hysterical reminder of ambitions exceeding abilities.

 

[QueenMari]

Good luck to you.I really hope someone can help out with this.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

I'm curious...why build a machine when you have fingers? Like, wouldn't that remove both you and your lee from the personal connective/shared/intimate experience?

Different strokes I guess. To me it'd be the same as watching a chick get off on a vibrator which to me is dull. I'm not being a dick btw, just honestly asking. Sometimes it's hard to convey expression in font.

 

[jkb]

I'm curious...why build a machine when you have fingers? Like, wouldn't that remove both you and your lee from the personal connective/shared/intimate experience?

Because not every lee has a ler, and not every ler has a lee.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

Because not every lee has a ler, and not every ler has a lee.

Facepalm. I totally missed the self-bondage part when I first read this. My bad.

 

[BarbaraTheOther]

It sounds like a rather intriguing pursuit.

 

[Maestro1874]

Why not? We have everything else under the sun already invented. 🙂

 

[jabjab23]

Well I'm glad everyone seems to be on-board with the idea of a tickle machine, but the kind of support we were hoping for was more along the lines of constructive input. At the moment there are very few people throwing around ideas about the specifics of how to construct a tickle machine, and yet a thread merely discussing the idea of one gets pages of replies within days.

Sorry to go all little red hen but the more people provide input the more likely this thing is to actually get somewhere.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

Over at Tickle Theater, I and another member are talking about plans for designing and eventually building a home-made tickle machine. I'm not talking about a little massager that you hold against your body that creates a little tickling sensation, but a computer-controlled device with modules, "arms" if you will, that can wield a variety of devices to tickle the user. We're also considering how it would work with self-bondage techniques that prevent you from escaping or turning off the machine for a period of time. If this interests you at all please check out the thread in the tickling discussion section over there. Even if you think it's a ridiculous pipe dream right now, just keep an eye on it.

http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=55891

What we really need now is people with engineering and programming experience to turn theory into design. If you think you might have something to contribute to the discussion PLEASE go over there and lend a word. We're not talking about stuff built from Lego but real mechanical components that I at least am unfamiliar with. Or we can continue the discussion here. Sometimes I really think we ought to combine these boards so I don't have to jump around so much.

Thank you for your time. God willing in 5 years time we'll look back on this as the thread that started a beautiful thing for us all. At the very least it will be an hysterical reminder of ambitions exceeding abilities.

Well I'm glad everyone seems to be on-board with the idea of a tickle machine, but the kind of support we were hoping for was more along the lines of constructive input. At the moment there are very few people throwing around ideas about the specifics of how to construct a tickle machine, and yet a thread merely discussing the idea of one gets pages of replies within days.

Sorry to go all little red hen but the more people provide input the more likely this thing is to actually get somewhere.

Dude, you're honestly talking hundreds of thousands of dollars here. I read your description and Hollywood animatronics immediately come to mind. The puppets, machines and special effects departments that have billion dollar studios pumping God knows how much money into their special effect houses to create something mechanical that responds to a computer that reacts off of a computer program that was probably designed just for the specific purpose of giving a fake face human-esq qualities and realism and/or a robot with arms. You're going to need an entire team of computer programmers, hardware and software engineers, artists, architects, electricians, the list goes on and on.

Not to mention a psychical location to store all the equipment you're going to need and the payroll you'll need to keep everyone onboard. The best advice I can give is find investors or approach students in the above fields right after they graduate. You probably won't find what you're looking for on here or any other forum.

I've attached a PDF in regards to an anamatronic face. It's not a tickling machine but the basics relate to what I believe you're looking to build. I'm not being a dick, just being realistic. It's a great idea but another problem would be not just the cost of the thing(s), but how much you'd have to charge people in order to see a return, break even, and then profit from it.

 

[jabjab23]

Did you read the thread on Tickle Theater? Hollywood animatronics may leap to mind when reading what I posted here but I assure you that's simply a failing on my part to properly describe what I have in mind.

The kind of high-level robotics you're talking about that go into creating complex body parts like perfectly replicated human arms and faces go well beyond what I mean by the term "arm" for this machine. I'm talking about two linear actuators that allow a tool to move around a 2-dimensional plane. Maybe $100-150 if that, since they won't need to be powerful by any standard. Yes, fully functional robotic limbs cost tens of thousands of dollars a piece but that is not what we are talking about. The reason I mentioned a need for people with experience in a field like that is because this thing would be built from very simple parts, requiring a know-how to put it together. The location to store equipment like this? A wardrobe or at the most a spare room.

I know you're not being a dick and I hope I don't sound like one either but I believe you've seriously misunderstood the scale of this project. And I don't plan on selling this thing either; I plan on making the blueprints and programming free of charge so that people can buy the parts and put it together themselves.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

I read, well, not everything but quite a bit. A bit more the second time around. Perhaps a trip to Home Depot? They're usually good at answering questions there for the most part. If you can describe what you're looking for (obviously not in too much detail), they should be able to point you in the right direction and even give you tips on how to get started.

 

[jabjab23]

That's about the most useful advice I've received so far, so thank you very much. I'm not sure if we have a home depot down here in Australia but if I can't find something similar I'll bet someone else can go investigate.

 

[Marquis De Sade]

That's about the most useful advice I've received so far, so thank you very much. I'm not sure if we have a home depot down here in Australia but if I can't find something similar I'll bet someone else can go investigate.

Hmm...you guys must have some sort of version of it. Here's some info on the company so you can match it up to something you might have there:

It's basically a GIANT hardware supply store with everything imaginable in it you'd need to build your own...well, anything.

In fact, screw all that. I just Googled some stuff and found you guys have a similar place called Bunnings Warehouse.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunnings_Warehouse

 

[jabjab23]

I'm familiar with Bunning's but I don't know if they have actuators and things like that. You're right, they probably have the raw materials to build anything but then I was hoping assembly would be a tad simpler than that. What I think we'll need is some kind of simple robotic processor or micro-controller to activate the motors or whatever drives the actuators (ok yeah now this is sounding like trouble) which is hooked up to a computer with the programming to make it run properly.

Well if we have to start very small it'll still be a start. That won't matter in the long run anyway since it'll be a modular machine.

 

[luvtoez_1982]

sounds like a fun idea.

 

[Flatfoot]

Perhaps you could start here, and work your way up? 😕

<img src="http://electronickits.com/Books/Robot_Building_For_Dummies.jpg"><img src="http://www.ebookpdf.net/screen/cover3/8232677694.jpg">

When I was active duty, I worked in electronics. My buddies and I threw around the idea of building a robot while we were in Iraq, just to pass the time. I doubt we could've done anything like what you're describing, but with the time and resources, we probably could've had something like the ones from Robot Wars. We debated what it should be capable of doing, and the only things we came up with were to carry our crap around, throw stuff at people, and light cigarettes. It was a great idea, but we squandered our down-time with Xbox. 😀

 

[GEORGIATKLER]

but as it tickles feet will it leave a small carbon footprint?

I think the absolute worst part of the job ahead will be interviewing, preparing, and testing this beast on willing( paid or otherwise) models/subjects, and working the kinks out/in. 😉 I think Craigslist just got more interesting. The concept sounds amazing and "the Ticklenator" will be an instant star. When you think back on this and say: 'people laughed at us, so we knew we were on the right track." No Rube Goldberg, mcguyver wannabe's need apply. I would offer venture capital but my last $50 is going to addie's boob job.

 

[Deuce]

what's that say about us as people when we now want a machine to tie and tickle someone maybe I'm old fashion but I'll do that myself thank you.

 

[jabjab23]

Sorry, didn't realize people were still replying to this thread!

I'm a software engineer, and a lot of the folks I hang with are actual technology engineers... I can say this particular endeavor will be a BEAST to put together. There are so many things to take into account.

First of all - safety. When a person is tickled properly it requires some amount of pressure. Now, the pressure to be used on different people will not be the same. And if the machine doesn't sense this properly, it could seriously injure something. If no pressure is used and it just flops little feathers around pointlessly, more than likely no one will be tickled by it but rather tied and forced to suffer endless itching sensation.

The machine isn't designed to function in the way you're describing. There is absolutely no risk of it applying too much pressure as a result of is not "sensing" the proximity to the body because each module will be restricted in its movements within calibrated limits. If someone calibrated it badly then yes, I would be worried but considering the low-strength electronic components being used (I've started to look at servos as a replacement for actuators) it probably wouldn't even be capable of injuring the user.

The amount of money necessary to come up with the proper hardware would be horrendous. Thousands of dollars to put together the metal and electronics... and this isn't including the software and programming needed to get it to work right!

Cheap controller boards for the electronics, a simple program using VB.NET (free) and some light scrap metal or plastic. I don't see how this could go beyond $1000.

It NEEDS failsafes. It would be danger to whoever is attached to it without them. If there is bondage involved, the straps need to be automatic with a "dead man's switch" attached that they MUST hold down for the straps to remain in place. You can't have a button that they press to make it let go- a heart attack/stroke/anything else could render to person unable to detach his or her self from the machine and crawl to a phone. I would suggest 2 dead man's switches- 1 that must be held down to make the tickling continue (if they let go it stops- since someone who is REALLY being tickled can lose control and not be able to do anything... including pressing a big red "oh god make it stop" button) and one of the other hand to release the straps (if they let go the straps loosen).

As far as bondage goes, I would never trust any fail-safe that relies on the machine itself. Read up on self-bondage techniques, particularly ones that employ timed key releases like keys tied to a string wound up and frozen in ice. The mechanisms you're describing would defeat the purpose of the machine altogether. If the person is in danger of having a heart-attack or stroke from being tickled THEY SHOULDN'T BE TICKLED.

I would also suggest buying one of those wii heart monitor thingies and putting it on there to monitor their pulse. If it looks like they are going to far, it shuts itself off automatically.

These are the MINIMUM precautions you should take in order to avoid being sued to hell and back and paying for medical expenses out the wazoo. There's plenty more where that came from.

I like this idea, even if I do think it's excessive. You can never be too safe, after all. But there wouldn't be any point in building the machine if you had total control at all times. How could someone sue me for this if all I'm doing is offering the plans to build it with no guarantees as to its safety?

Good luck! This project will take a couple of years minimum if you decide to do it right, but when you complete the first model you should have quite a seller!

I'm NOT selling this! I wan't this to be something everyone in the community can put together themselves with some detailed directions and know-how.

I think the main problems with this machine are concerning the bondage, but that aspect will be separate from the machine to avoid the horror of system crashes etc. I do plan on being extremely thorough in providing self-bondage techniques to use in conjunction with the machine.

I've started a new thread on Tickle Theater to keep people updated on the project. The overall design might be clearer there.

http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=56114

 

[Maestro1874]

I think the absolute worst part of the job ahead will be interviewing, preparing, and testing this beast on willing( paid or otherwise) models/subjects, and working the kinks out/in. 😉 I think Craigslist just got more interesting. The concept sounds amazing and "the Ticklenator" will be an instant star. When you think back on this and say: 'people laughed at us, so we knew we were on the right track." No Rube Goldberg, mcguyver wannabe's need apply. I would offer venture capital but my last $50 is going to addie's boob job.

Didn't the Terminator kill people? A lot? Most business ventures tend to find sales slumping when you can only use their products once. Does the robot dress up like Elmo, but then pull a plasma rifle? It would blend in better, much like the original terminator. Imagine, the earth over-run by a bunch of walking, giggling, Elmos who are vaporizing everything with bursts from their plasma guns! Perhaps we can use a roomba as a starting point??

*Note: All the above information is copywrite pending, as I am seeking a producer to market a movie version!

 

[GEORGIATKLER]

Wrongful death lawsuit? But she died laughing, here just watch the r&d bdsm video. 😉 I think you are on to something with the roomba remote vaccuum. Tickling the maid is so litigious. May be a series of adjustable slings and or holsters with velcro straps which hold conventional massagers, vibrators, Sonicares, etc. against the "test" areas would also work. It's technology, what could go wrong...go wrong...go wrong.

 

[starfires]

The machine isn't designed to function in the way you're describing. There is absolutely no risk of it applying too much pressure as a result of is not "sensing" the proximity to the body because each module will be restricted in its movements within calibrated limits. If someone calibrated it badly then yes, I would be worried but considering the low-strength electronic components being used (I've started to look at servos as a replacement for actuators) it probably wouldn't even be capable of injuring the user.

I think you need an actual robot arm, with multiple degrees of freedom, a pressure sensor, the works. The point is precision, not power. Sure, you could make a single-axis appendage driven by a servo and even calibrate it perfectly, but then it will be able to tickle, I mean poke, exactly one spot, or at best a few spots along a predefined curve, on your body (and I mean *your* body, because it will have to be calibrated that narrowly). A robot arm can do things more randomly and intelligently, and can even self-calibrate by building a three-dimensional outline of the lee using the pressure sensor.
Also, for safety, make sure any attachments have a purely mechanical pressure limiter, such as a spring. A robot can stop instantly when it feels too much pressure, but if you buck a lot, you could still impale yourself on a finger-like tickling attachment.

 

[rhiannon]

If the person is in danger of having a heart-attack or stroke from being tickled THEY SHOULDN'T BE TICKLED.

What if the person didn't know they were in danger of a heart-attack? A friend of mine who was pretty well trained dropped dead from a heart-attack aged 44 while playing table tennis!

But there wouldn't be any point in building the machine if you had total control at all times.

I don't know how others see that, but even when I am with a human ler I have control at all times - it's called Safeword. Sure as HELL I would never give control over to a machine which will have no way of sensing/seeing/realizing when it is enough! There HAS to be control at all times over this machine!

How could someone sue me for this if all I'm doing is offering the plans to build it with no guarantees as to its safety?

I am sure you will find someone who is going to try! 🙂 McDonald's got sued because their coffee was hot, imagine that!

Last, but not least: I don't think that a truly ticklish sensation can be created by a machine since whatever it can do will be pretty monotonous. The lee will get used to the sensations quickly.

 

[trace1984]

how does that old saying go a man reach grasp should never excede his reach? i forget,,,,,this is like the most awesome thread ever lol,i havent found a female that into it so i would so buy/rent a machine to get tickled, i would at least wanna try it,,50$ for 30 mins,, u can make a prototype and have people pay u to use it then make other and sell them to bondage places, like where people pay to go play in bondage,,,i think it would be hilarious to watch a female get tickled by a machine..good luck with this project hopefully u guys get something done,,,,,"edison found 2023 ways not to make a lightbulb work"

 

[wishful1234]

The machine could be used on someone by a Ler... as far as fail-safe, hold a 'kill-switch' in your hand that cuts the power. Like any self-bondage, you'll need a good deal of self-control....