When does the Crank Automata workshop take place?

The workshop takes place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

What age is Crank Automata suitable for?

The offer is aimed at people aged 6 to 99 years. Children up to and including 14 years participate accompanied by an adult.

Do participants need prior knowledge?

No, no prior knowledge is required for participation.

What will be done in the workshop?

Participants build figures from everyday materials and bring them to life using mechanical principles.

Can the finished crank automaton be taken home?

Yes, the finished automaton can be taken home.

What does participation cost?

For guests, the workshop usage fee is 3.50 euros per hour. For three hours of participation, this amounts to 10.50 euros. For members, workshop usage is possible without an additional fee.

Crank Automata for Children

Name: Crank Automata
Start: 2026-11-05T14:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-05T17:00:00+01:00
Location: ZAM - Ausprobierwerkstatt

Crank Automata: Small Figures, Big Movement Ideas

When lively figures are created from everyday materials, technology becomes a family experience. In the Crank Automata workshop at ZAM – Center for Exchange and Making, children and adults playfully discover how movement works and build their own mechanical automata.

Tinkering and Creating Together

With simple materials, participants develop a figure that moves with the help of a crank. A creative idea transforms step by step into a functional object. Children immediately experience how a small moving toy is created from individual parts – with lots of curiosity, amazement, and children's laughter.

Discovering Mechanics in a Child-Friendly Way

The workshop combines crafting, technology, and art. In addition to practical building, participants learn basic mechanical principles. This learning experience supports age-appropriate understanding of cause and effect, promotes fine motor skills, and enhances joy in independent problem-solving.

For Curious People Aged 6 to 99 Years

The offer is aimed at everyone aged 6 and above and does not require prior knowledge. Children up to and including 14 years participate accompanied by an adult. This way, the afternoon becomes shared time, where families plan, try out, and find creative solutions together.

A Self-Built Souvenir

Especially nice: The finished crank automaton can be taken home. The creation serves as a reminder of the joy of making and invites further development of the movement idea or demonstration to others.

Well Prepared for ZAM

The workshop takes place in the ZAM try-it-out workshop in the center of Erlangen. The event lasts three hours and begins on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Registration is required for participation. To hold the course, the minimum number of participants must be reached five days before the event.

Conclusion: Experience Technology, Move Imagination

Crank Automata connects creative design with a true technical learning experience. Families can expect an active, child-friendly afternoon full of curiosity, shared discoveries, and visible results. Anyone who wants to not just look at mechanics but bring it to life will experience a special family experience at ZAM.