Felix Figus and Joris Wegner created this beautiful self-contained portrait-drawing robot called The Pankraz Piktograph.

A Raspberry Pi 3 handles image capture, preview, and processing duties, outputting a vectorized interpretation of the subject using openFrameworks and the canny edge detector algorithm. A Teensy 3.2 uses the resultant vertex data to drive the drawing arms via pulleyed stepper motors, as well as controlling a servo-actuated spring-loaded pen. The resulting drawing is an event to behold in itself, beyond serving as a keepsake. Learn more, and see example artwork at the project’s website.