Scrapegoat is a mechatronic instrument that produces sound through haptic engagement. Three different motors interact with corresponding surfaces to produce a unique sound. A solenoid with felt padding acts as rhythmic percussion, a stepper motor with a rotating wire attachment scratches sandpaper to produce a bassline, and a DC motor with a spring attached strikes a small glass to produce a hi-hat or chime-like sound. All three motors are controlled via MIDI data in Ableton Live. By customising the MIDI tracks you send to each motor, you can control the speed and rhythm of each, resulting in unique sounds that work together to produce a song.

Designed in collaboration with Charlie Morton and Francesca Ramdhanie.