Ball machines are a great way to illustrate abstract concepts; like the way a drug works once it enters the body. Adcetris is a unique ball machine that focuses on the visual narration of a sequential story. Compared to other ball machines that contain a looser narrative, Adcetris is meant to display a specific process showing how a certain type of medication works once it enters the bloodstream. 

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Seattle Genetics makes antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) medicines to help patients fight cancer. This ball machine is an attention-getting way to attract doctors to the company’s booth to learn about the journey of the ADC through the body, binding with a cell-surface receptor, and how it enters the cell to attack cancer. Similar to more traditional ball machines, Adcetris contains multiple tracks. Mechanical devices within the sculpture move the balls from one side of the machine to the other, and a carousel carries balls between sequences. The machine features heat-formed textured panels that are motorized and pivot back and forth creating an open and closing action. These panels are lined with custom color-changing LED lights that turn on once activated.

 

The machine has been displayed at the ASH (American Society of Hematology) 2013 and ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) 2014 annual meetings. The sculpture has since traveled to multiple events due to its success in drawing visitors to the Seattle Genetics booth. As of 2017, Adcetris resides at the Seattle Genetics headquarters in Bothell, Washington. 

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Date:

2013

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Location:

Seattle Genetics, Bothell, WA​

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Dimensions:

12' x 8' x 6'

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Artist:

George Rhoads

Creative Machines