Music Derby

Music Derby is a game in which sound of music runs seven robots.
The player predicts which robot will go the farthest when a tune is over.
Music Derby Music Derby is a game in which sound of music runs seven robots.
The player predicts which robot will go the farthest when a tune is over.
A single pitch is assigned to each of the four-legged walking robots that imitate animals such as deer, rabbits, and mice.
For example, the note C is assigned to deer, the note D is assigned to rabbits, and note E is assigned to mice.
When the note G is played, the pig moves forward.
When the note F is played, the giraffe moves forward,
and when the note E is played, the mouse moves forward.
If twinkle twinkle little star is played in C major key, which animal will go the farthest at the end of the song?
In C major, C is the tonic note, so you might expect that the deer assigned to C goes the farthest.
But in reality, the pig assigned to G wins.
This is because G appears most frequently on twinkle twinkle little star.
On the contrary, the cat never moves because B never appears.
In this way, Music Derby can visualize the frequency of occurrence of notes on the scale in a song.

The microphone picks up the sound played by the instrument.
Analyze the pitch with Arduino.
Rotate the motor to move the animal forward.

Side story I tested pitch detection system with various musical instruments.
Keyboard type harmonica is not bad but missed some notes such as F.
Metallophone and toy piano have good reaction.
12 string guitar is not good, contrary to expectations.
Voice is not good, but it might be used with some tuning, I guess.
Maybe I need voice training also.
Recorder is the best instrument for pitch detection.
I think it's because it doesn't contain much harmonics.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long did it take to make it?
About two months.
How much did this cost to do?
About $100 to $200.
Are there plans available to make this? Do you sell this?
Not for sale. If anyone want to know how to make it, I can share my knowledge.

Tetsuji Katsuda : Maker & Composer
The maker Tetsuji Katsuda
I make robots that play musical instruments.

I make original musical instruments including electrical and acoustic.

I play musical instruments that I made.

Connect with Tetsuji Katsuda
How I can help you:
Show how pitch detection system works.
How you can help me:
Provide ideas of using pitch detection.