History
Invented by an artificial intelligence pioneer
In 1952 at Bell Labs, artificial intelligence pioneer Marvin Minsky created what he called the "ultimate machine": a device with a simple switch that, once turned on, triggers a mechanism that comes out to turn itself off.
A machine mentioned by writer Arthur C. Clarke and philosopher Ivan Illich, and which can be seen in the TV series Fargo.
la machine is a tribute to this fabulous invention.
Unpredictable, poetic and absurd
With each activation, it's a new combination of movements and sounds. You never know what will come next. La machine does as it pleases.
Everything has been thought out down to the smallest detail: the sounds were created from everyday objects, the arm movements carefully choreographed, and the magic of the software ensures that no two machines will be identical.
This total unpredictability quickly becomes addictive and above all... absurd.
Exclusive Launch Offer
Special price reserved for the first series of 5000 units.
Exclusive Series
To thank our early buyers for their trust, the first production batch is an exclusive series.
Shipping in February 2026
Orders shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you order, the sooner you'll receive it.
Free Cancellation
You can cancel your order at any time, free of charge and without explanation.
Design inspired by Ettore Sottsass
With its vibrant colors and geometric shapes, la machine draws from the spirit of the famous Italian designer: Ettore Sottsass.
Its playful personality shines through a form and colors that make it a functional object (so to speak) and an exceptional piece.
100%Open Source
la machine runs on the ESP32 microcontroller and its design is 100% open source (electronics, software and mechanics).
la machine's software is written in Erlang, a tribute to Marvin Minsky, but you're free to code it your way (with the Arduino environment for example) and change the sounds.
Big in France
Made in France
la machine is made in France. It seemed essential to us that such an ultimate object should not be manufactured on the other side of the planet.
Recycled plastic
Recycled plastic certainly doesn't work miracles from an environmental point of view, but it does help limit the damage.
Repairable
la machine uses standard parts and has been designed to be easily repairable (it also comes with a two-year parts and labor warranty).
This machine won't forget you. Ever.
La Machine has character. If you ignore it a bit too much, it gently extends its arm to get your attention (never at night, don't worry). It can also play with you if it's in a cheerful mood, or let you know it would rather be left alone for a while.
First exclusive series
The first owners benefit from unique advantages
Where are we now?
(Want the details? Read the newsletter.)
What the first testers say
"I had a preview of la machine and the design is absolutely wonderful! It will make la machine a centerpiece and the way each interaction combines different sounds and movements makes it addictive!"
Philippe, Architect
"As a developer, I'm thrilled that la machine is fully open source. The ESP32 platform is perfect for developing with the Arduino IDE. I can't wait to create my version with my own sounds!"
Paul, Engineer
"What is this thing? It's totally absurd. Who would buy this? It's completely useless. I do like the design though."
Unknown person
Joyful Resistance?
La machine resists being told what to do. But also, at a time when technology is sometimes becoming increasingly invasive and harmful, it seemed like the perfect moment to recreate this object paradoxically invented by two pioneers of artificial intelligence and information theory.
La Machine is a technological object that demonstrates how computing and electronics can serve whimsy, absurdity, poetry and... joy! It invites us to question all those objects and services whose endless utility is promoted to us. A high-tech product that refuses to obey. I think calling this Joyful Resistance is perfect!
The team behind la machine
Olivier Mével, (re)creator
French IoT pioneer since 2005. Creator of the legendary Nabaztag, the first mass-market connected object, 25 years of experience in creative electronics.
Alexis Malbert makes the sound
Alexis Malbert (aka Tapetronic) is a French artist, inventor, musician, performer, animator, researcher and editor who works as a creator of new sound reproduction media.
Elium Studio designs
With over 40 CES Awards and a Time magazine distinction, Elium Studio is one of the most respected design agencies in the world.
Antoine Schmitt creates living behaviors
French visual artist and software engineer working in the field of digital art and design.
Is this a crowdfunding campaign? A Kickstarter?
Not really. Here you're making a pre-order, meaning you're reserving your machine but you'll have to wait a bit to receive it. Unlike a crowdfunding campaign, you can cancel your order at any time (I hope you won't).
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes You receive a full refund within 5-7 business days. No questions asked, no fees.
Why do we have to wait until February 2026?
Production of the first batch of 5000 machines is underway and shipping will begin in February 2026. Orders will be fulfilled in chronological order: the first orders placed since September will be shipped first. After this initial batch, production will continue at a rate of approximately 600 machines per month.
Why does it cost so much?
We're often told that you can find useless boxes for $10 on Temu. That's true. But la machine is a handcrafted electronic object, produced in a few thousand units, which can be reprogrammed, contains thousands of different sounds and choreographies, made in France. All this makes it an exceptional object, not a poor quality object copied hundreds of thousands of times.
But what exactly is it for?
Nothing. That's the concept! la machine is a kinetic art object and conversation piece that celebrates the absurd. It turns on to turn itself off, creating a moment of mechanical poetry.
Is it noisy? Can I have it in the office?
The sounds and choreographies are mostly very short. The demonstration videos show different behaviors (some very long) but what you need to know is that the algorithm favors short and silent movements to create surprise. However, you can always turn off the sound.
How many times a day does it activate by itself?
Only once a day maximum if you don't use it and never at night.