This is a brain on an electric golf cart. The golf cart measures 4’ x 8’; including the brain shell the total size is about 8’ wide by 12’ long. An epoxy-hard brain shell covers the chasis (except for the wheels and some of the bumpers, which may remain visible). In the front are two large disembodied eyes on stalks.
The driver navigates by looking through several screens (similar to house window screens). There are screens to the left and right, and to the front. There is no screen in the back, which is a solid hatch used to enter the vehicle.
Design Document
What Makes This a Mutant Vechicle?
This vehicle is not a Honda Civic with a terrible paint job. The golf cart base has been modified to support a substantial, all-encompassing shell to make the vehicle look like a giant brain. The wheels by necessity are visible, and there is some clearance from the bottom part of the brain shell and the ground to allow for uneven terrain. While the vehicle can theoretically be returned to its golf cart state, substantial work must be done to remove the shell, its welded support structure, and other aspects of the build.
This vehicle has light effects. The brain shell is festooned by hundreds of controlled LEDs, which provide a lighting effect across the entire surface. Abstract designs or patterns, can be played on its surface, or more complex videos as desired. This is substantially different from the original intent of the golf cart.
This vehicle also has eyeballs. Big eyeballs, which appear to look around.
Quick Stats
| Width: | 8 ft |
| Length: | 12 ft |
| Height: | 6 ft |
| Weight: | 1500-1700 lbs (approx.) |
| Chasis: | Golf Cart (late 1970’s Carouche) |
| Engine: | 36V electric |
| Max Speed: | 9 mph |
| Passengers (incl driver): | 3 |
| Lighting Effects: | yes |
| Sound Effects: | no |
| Flame Effects: | no |
| Laser Effects: | no |
| Has a trailer: | no |
Passenger Capacity
Including the driver: 3
Driver and passenger on the golf cart bench in the middle of the brain shell.
One additional seating position in the rear, if the rear hatch is removed.
Lighting Effects
Dotted along every surface of the brain shell are WS2811 “pixel” LEDs controlled by several Arduinos. These pixels from a large, 3D screen on which the thoughts of the brain are shown. The images will be surreal and abstract and flow around all sides.
The eyeballs on the front are made of two 16” acrylic globes, each with a projector inside. The projector throws an image of a roving eye, even though the eyeballs themselves do not move. The entire globe is lit up.
Flame or Laser Effects
This vehicle has no flame or laser effects of any kind.
Safety and Operating Plans
This is a low-speed, low-power electric golf cart, but the vehicle is still heavy and can cause damage to persons or property.
General care will be taken to operate this vehicle in accordance with local laws and rules. Pedestrians and cyclists will be given the right of way at all times in all places. Right of way to other vehicles will be given on a first-in, first-out basis, or as conditions and safety require. Emergency vehicles are always given priority.
This vehicle does not have any flame effects, and does not have a gas engine, but the vehicle does have batteries, and the vehicle has combustible parts. A fire extinguisher will be on board at all times.
This vehicle was not originally equipped with seat belts, and there are no plans to install seat belts.