Griot Knowbot is essentially a donation box, a way for visitors to support the Detroit Science Center by means of small donations of money.  An infra-red sensor at the bottom of Griot Knowbot's torso detects the movement of people in front of it and activates both the yellow light display in its head and the fan that blows its hair out over its forehead.  Patterns of lights in Griot Knowbot's eyes make it appear to be looking around.  The patterns are actually composed of fixed light emitting diodes in two 7 by 8 matrixes which are always active.

 Griot Knowbot accepts coins or bill in its mouth and electrically "feels" them as they enter or "sees" their shadow as they fall.  Sometimes money slips by without Griot Knowbot noticing, but usually the Knowbot responds by playing one of over 150 sound files from its memory.  Most of the responses are based on writings or utterances of scientists,  philosophers and inventors, but some are from comedians, artists and others.  A few are sampled music, sound effects or animals.  Some are beyond description. With these sound responses, Griot Knowbot is perpetuating our oral tradition using a combination of art and technology.
 

Kinetic elements in the head include rotating cylinder, flashing light and air-b;own hair.

Six visitors ponder the wisdom of the Griot.  In the first three months that Griot Knowbot has been entertaining and educating the Science Center's public, it has raised over eleven hundred dollars for educational programs

Visually, Griot Knowbot has a rough-edged, industrial look  that reflects the history and character of Detroit, the look of factories, machine shops, used tools, metal parts and discards that cut large swaths through our neighborhoods.  Groit Knowbot is based on Detroit's complex style and heritage.  Industrial discards form most of Griot Knowbot's body, but the careful observer will see that around his heart  - every tin man needs a heart - are mementos of  Europe, Africa, the Middle-East, the Mediterreanean, and Appalachia, mementoes of the  people have settled in Detroit from all over the nation and the world.  With the creative contributions of engineer Nick Holland and actor Council Cargle, we tried to make a Motor City Griot that combines art and technology to continue the oral tradition and that expresses the bold spirit of Detroit.

Nick says, "I think I'm in love."

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