It’s an art installation. The idea is that the machine slowly leaks hydraulic fluid. So it works to squeegee it back up towards its base, so it can remain operational.

At first, it was a cute little art installation. The machine worked well and barely leaked. It would take time in between scoops to dance for the crowd or rest. But over time, as the machine aged and the leaks got worse, it had to shift more and more towards scooping up the hydraulic fluid. It changed from a cute dancing robot to a haunting metaphor. It desperately worked to keep the fluid contained, all the way up to the point that it broke down.

When it finally broke down, it was revealed that it ran on electric stepper motors, and didn’t even need the hydraulic fluid.