Sound reverberates. Glossy eyes stare back at you. In the The FABulously Furry Synthesiser Module, Fab Academy 2024 Alum Edwin Dertien experiments with animatronics, modular synthesis, and of course: Furbys.
The FABulously Furry Synthesiser Module
Combining Edwin’s love for music making and animatronics, The FABulously Furry Synthesiser Module is born! The FABulously Furry Synthesiser Module reimagines this furry friend's speech into an electronic musical instrument. Complete with moving eyes and mouth, no real Furby’s were harmed in the process of making this module. Rather, The FABulously Furry Synthesiser Module was fully designed, developed, and created using the machines and technologies available in Waag’s Fablab.
Check out the project's full toolbox and design documentation.
The Fab Academy Experience
Wish to create your own project? At Fab Academy, you can learn to make (almost) anything! Equipping participants with 20+ hands-on skills in design, electronics, and fabrication, Fab Academy is the perfect place to see your crafting dreams come alive.
“If you are in for a practical learning experience, wish to hone your digital fabrication skills, or whether you are completely new into all of this and really want the crash course or the kickstarter, then this is the program. Full stop.” - Edwin Dertien
Over the course of five months, participants are guided by instructors and mentors to explore the possibilities and intricacies of digital fabrication. Through weekly projects and workshops, Fab Academy allows participants to investigate their own making interests and tailor the program to meet the individual's learning goals.
“I really liked that the program forces you to set your own learning goals. I used the program to try out a lot of activities that I had been postponing for a long time, like working with rubbers, molding, and casting … the program allowed me to go into depth with them.” - Edwin Dertien
Whether you're an experienced maker or a curious beginner, Fab Academy provides the tools, mentorship, and inspiration needed to bring your most imaginative projects to life.
Applications to Fab Academy 2025 are still open! Apply now to Fab Academy to be a part of this unique learning experience. Find additional information about Fab Academy on our Fab Academy website.
About Edwin Dertien
Creator. Tinkerer. Artist. Edwin Dertien is a passionate maker, robotics enthusiast, and digital fabrication expert. As the founder of Kunst- en Techniekwerk, Edwin provides animatronics and engineering for movie, art-projects, sculptures and theatre. Watch our full interview with Edwin here.
