The Inspiration

After completing a renovation of a 1978 Beachcomber trailer, I found myself with leftover fiberglass materials that had potential. As any maker knows, sometimes the materials themselves suggest their next incarnation. We were getting ready to head to Burning Man that year, and with its theme being "Animalia," I decided to research what the strongest animal on the planet was. I discovered that tardigrades (water bears) are among the most resilient animals known, with individual species able to survive extreme conditions that would quickly kill most other forms of life:

• Survive in the vacuum of space

• Withstand temperatures from near absolute zero (-458°F) to well above boiling (300°F)

• Endure pressure six times greater than the deepest ocean trenches

• Tolerate radiation levels thousands of times higher than what would kill a human

• Can dehydrate for up to 30 years, then rehydrate and continue living when water returns

This creature's ability to enter cryptobiosis—essentially pausing its metabolism until conditions improve—embodied the perfect spirit for Burning Man's harsh desert environment. The project had found its form: WATERBEAR, a glowing tardigrade mini art car that would navigate the playa while celebrating nature's most indestructible organism.

Sourcing Materials and Initial Construction

My family had always saved scraps and extra materials to be used later growing up, and with every renovation I do, I've always saved whatever materials were worth keeping for another project down the road.

Beyond the leftover fiberglass from my trailer renovation, I sourced free styrofoam from Facebook Marketplace for the base structure. I began shaping it with a hot wire cutter, but quickly discovered that achieving the curved form of a tardigrade required more detailed work, which was mostly done with a wire brush.

Once the foam core achieved the right shape, I applied the fiberglass over it, creating a translucent shell that would later diffuse the interior lighting. The structure required reinforcement with wooden supports and metal straps to maintain its shape while the fiberglass set, and so that we could ride it without worrying about it crumbling when it carried our weight.

Engineering for Mobility and Strength

From the beginning, I knew WATERBEAR needed to be more than just visually impressive—it needed to function as a true art car. This required solving several engineering challenges:

1. Internal Support Structure: I constructed a robust wooden frame inside the fiberglass shell, designed to support the weight of two riders while maintaining the organic shape of the tardigrade.

2. Drive System: Rather than purchasing a new motor, I repurposed a used hoverboard as the power source, mounting it at the front of the structure. This not only saved resources but provided the perfect balance of power and maneuverability for navigating the playa.

3. Steering Mechanism: I designed the steering system like those found in tanks or certain go-carts—two handles that operate independently. Pull both handles back to stop, push both forward to advance, and pull them in opposite directions to turn. This intuitive control system proved easy for first-time drivers to master.

4. Power Supply: Connecting the electrical system to the solar panels on our trailer created a sustainable power loop—WATERBEAR could be charged directly from solar energy, eliminating the need for generator power and reducing our carbon footprint at the event.

Illumination and Visual Effects

Using inexpensive LED strips from the dollar store, I installed lights throughout the interior of the fiberglass shell. The semi-translucent nature of the fiberglass diffused the light perfectly, creating a glowing effect that was particularly striking at night.

The color-changing capabilities allowed WATERBEAR to shift between ethereal blues, vibrant greens, and warm purples. This illumination made WATERBEAR visible from a considerable distance on the dark playa, serving both as artistic expression and a practical way for our camp members to locate our home base.

Many Burners were curious about the animal, and with many being able to name it just by the shape alone, I knew we had done it justice.

The Playa Experience

Driving WATERBEAR across the Black Rock Desert proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of Burning Man 2023. The art car's distinctive appearance drew curious onlookers wherever we went.

The technical specifications proved adequate for the challenging environment. The hoverboard motor provided sufficient power to navigate the occasionally difficult terrain, as this was the year that came with a significant amount of rain, making most roads very rocky. The wooden frame successfully supported riders without compromising the artistic integrity of the piece.

Lessons Learned

1. Resourcefulness Over Resources: The success of this project reinforced my belief that creativity and problem-solving often matter more than expensive materials.

2. Structural Challenges: If I were to build another version, I would reinforce the connection points between the fiberglass shell and the wooden frame further. While adequate for this year's event, I noticed slight stress developing at these junctions that could become problematic over time.

3. Power Limitations: The hoverboard batteries didn't last nearly as long as expected, especially in the muddy conditions. Future iterations would use a completely different drive system, with a more robust electric motor with larger capacity batteries that would make a significant difference in operating time between charges.

4. Community Value: Perhaps the most significant realization was how much value an interactive art piece adds to the Burning Man experience—both for the creator and the community. WATERBEAR became more than transportation; it became a nexus of connection and education.

Looking Forward

While WATERBEAR made its mark at Burning Man 2023, I'm not certain I'll revise this particular version for future events. Instead, discussions are underway about creating an entirely new, larger-scale tardigrade art car built on a proper go-cart frame with a dedicated motor system. This would solve the power limitations experienced with the hoverboard setup and allow for longer operating times and more reliable performance in harsh desert conditions.

A larger version would also create opportunities for:

• More elaborate lighting effects with dedicated power systems

• Space for additional riders to experience the art car

• Potential for integrated sound elements that respond to movement

• Improved structural integrity for multi-year use at various events

For fellow makers considering art car projects, my biggest takeaway is this: prototype small before going big. This first tardigrade taught me invaluable lessons about what works and what doesn't in the challenging playa environment.

The WATERBEAR project reinforced my belief in creative reuse and the value of seeing potential in materials others might discard. Whether this specific art car returns to the playa or evolves into something larger, the principle remains the same—transformation of "waste" into wonder creates both beautiful art and meaningful conversations about sustainability and imagination.