Victorian Egg Plotter with Web Interface

Watch the Machine in Action

The Automatic Ovoid Scrivener

What happens when you rebuild an egg drawing machine from scratch… and give it a Victorian soul?

Meet Sir Reginald Hatchington III’s Automatic Ovoid Scrivener — a fully custom, web-controlled egg plotter, housed in an intricately engraved, laser-cut wooden enclosure inspired by classic engineering.

A Modern Take on the Classic Egg Plotter

Machines like the EggBot made drawing on eggs accessible, but they often rely on plugins, cables, and desktop software.

We wanted something simpler.

So we built a completely self-contained system that:

• Hosts its own web interface
• Works from any device with a browser
• Requires no installs or plugins
• Provides live visual feedback

Features

• Upload your own SVG designs
• Preview artwork on a fully interactive 3D egg
• Rotate, zoom, and inspect before plotting
• Add custom text inscriptions
• Adjust fill density, angles, and strokes
• Dispatch drawings directly to the machine
• Access advanced debugging tools

Built from the Ground Up

This wasn’t just a visual redesign.

We went through multiple iterations:

• Early 3D printed prototypes
• Laser-cut mechanical revisions
• Redesigned egg holding system
• Fully integrated electronics enclosure
• A completely new browser-based UI

Each version brought us closer to something that felt both usable and worthy of Sir Reginald himself.

Designed for Real Use

The system is ideal for:

• Live demos and exhibitions
• Schools and workshops
• Personalised egg designs
• Rapid experimentation with plotting styles

With real-time 3D preview, you can see exactly how your design wraps around the egg before drawing begins.

A Slightly Absurd Origin Story

According to unreliable sources, the machine was commissioned by Sir Reginald Hatchington III, Duke of Yolkshire.

After rejecting several prototypes for “lack of presence”, the final design meets his standards: ornate, theatrical, and unapologetically over-engineered.

Conclusion

The Automatic Ovoid Scrivener is a modern evolution of the egg plotter — combining precision hardware, a powerful web interface, and a distinctly Victorian aesthetic.

FAQ

What is an EggBot?

An EggBot is a type of CNC drawing machine designed to draw or plot designs onto spherical or egg-shaped objects using a pen.

Is this an EggBot?

This is a custom-built EggBot alternative. It performs the same core function — drawing on eggs — but has been completely redesigned with new hardware and a built-in web interface.

What makes this different from a standard EggBot?

Traditional EggBots typically require software like Inkscape and a wired connection to a computer.
The Automatic Ovoid Scrivener runs entirely in the browser with:

• No plugins required
• Wireless access
• A built-in web server
• Real-time 3D preview of designs on an egg

Can I upload my own designs?

Yes. You can upload SVG files directly through the web interface and preview them instantly on a 3D egg before plotting.

Can I add text to eggs?

Yes. The system includes a text inscription tool that lets you:

• Add custom names or messages
• Change fonts
• Adjust size, rotation, and position

Does it support colour or multiple passes?

Yes. You can pause the machine, swap pens, and continue plotting to create multi-colour designs.

Do I need to install any software?

No. The machine hosts its own web interface. You simply connect via a browser on your phone, tablet, or computer.

What file types are supported?

Currently, SVG files are supported for design uploads, as they are ideal for vector plotting.

Is this available to buy?

This project was built as a custom prototype. If you're interested in something similar, feel free to get in touch.

What is the Automatic Ovoid Scrivener?

It is the (entirely serious) name given to this Victorian-style egg drawing machine, as commissioned by Sir Reginald Hatchington III.