The Schmarotzer®-Model A is based on the phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect, according to which electrical energy may be obtained through warmth differences (in this case, the body heat of the host and the warmth of the surrounding air). The Model A prototype shown here is attached to the skin of the host with adhesive tape and draws the energy needed to maintain or improve the charged state of its batteries directly from the surface of the host’s skin. The current energy state of the Model A is displayed by the variable rhythmic blinking of the integrated LED.

Prototype Schmarotzer® (parasite)
Model B, Version 0.3
The Schmarotzer®-Model B functions according to the principle of electromagnetic induction: mechanical movement is transformed into electrical energy with a dynamo. The Model B prototype shown here is attached to the host’s knee and draws the energy needed to maintain or improve the charged state of its batteries from the movement of the host’s knee joint, for example when the host walks or rides a bicycle. The current energy state of the Model B is shown by a multistage LED charge level display.

Frank Fietzek (DE), born 1960. 1981-82 studied philosophy at the University of Tübingen; 1983-84 Free Art School Hamburg, 1985-86 studied computer science at the University of Hamburg; 1994/95 guest lecturer at the Merzakademie Stuttgart, College of Design; 1997 lecturer at the Summer Academy of LAG Kunst Schleswig-Holstein; 1999/2000 guest lecturer at the Bauhaus University Weimar, Media Department. Since 1999 project director at LEM-Laboratory for Electronic Media, Hambrug.