Paper Engineering: Five Books and One Online Class about Automata

Don’t know what automata is? You aren’t the only one. Automata are mechanical devices that are made to look like they are moving on their own. Here are some examples .

Automata are interesting to watch, but they also have a practical purpose. They provide an introduction to simple machines and mechanisms like gears, cranks, cams, cam followers, and levers.  Working with kids to build automatons is a way to get them exploring their creative side while they learn about technology and engineering.

If you are interested in working with kids on building automata, The Exploratorium offers a class on Coursera called Tinkering Fundamentals: Motion and Mechanisms. This class has a section that shows step-by-step how to set up and facilitate sessions on building automata.

There are also a few books that can help:

Karakuri: How to Make Paper Mechanical Models that Move by Keisuke Saka

This book has pull-out pages that you can use to build 10 basic models for a variety of cams, cranks, and gears. It also has pull-out pages for four printed models that let you create the designs shown on the book cover. It’s a great starter book.

Paper Models that Move: 14 Ingenious Automata, and More

This book contains more advanced models of automata to cut out and make than the Karakuri book. It focuses on the engineering aspects of automata so is also a good introduction to simple machines.

Automata and Mechanical Toys

If you are already familiar with building automata, this book will provide you with years of design inspiration. it contains images of automata from over 20 designers.