Reviving the Phillips Machine: A Digital Transformation

The Phillips machine, originally created by Bill Phillips in 1950, is a hydraulic computer that illustrates macroeconomic principles through physical interaction. With only 14 units ever built and just three operational today, its historical value is significant. The machine serves as an effective teaching tool, demonstrating the "circular flow of income" in a way that textbooks cannot replicate. Kristin Forbes, a former member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, has praised its educational utility, noting its effectiveness in engaging students at MIT.

Financial Times

In recent years, efforts to create a digital version of the Phillips machine faced significant challenges. Bob Haslett, a colleague at the Financial Times, initiated a project to develop a web-based prototype. However, the project was halted due to the limitations of mobile technology, which hindered the ability to replicate the machine's intricate controls on small screens. Psychologists have suggested that viewing minified content can reduce attention and engagement, further complicating the digital adaptation.

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The landscape changed with the announcement of the Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset on June 5, 2023. This device, described as a "spatial computer," offers high-resolution displays and immersive experiences, prompting renewed interest in digitalizing the Phillips machine. While critics have raised concerns about the device's cost and the novelty of mixed-reality technology, its potential for educational applications has garnered enthusiasm.

Financial Times

In November 2023, a collaboration emerged between Phillips machine enthusiasts, WongDoody, and the University of Cambridge, where the original machine is housed. Allan McRobie, a professor of structural engineering, facilitated access to the restored Phillips machine for precise measurements. WongDoody employed advanced techniques, including photogrammetry and LiDAR scans, to create a detailed 3D model of the machine. This model was developed using Autodesk Maya and integrated into Unity, allowing for interactive simulations of the machine's operations.

Financial Times

The culmination of these efforts is the FT Money Machine, a digital application that faithfully recreates the Mark II Phillips machine. The app, available for free on the Apple Vision Pro App Store, allows users to interact with a life-sized virtual version of the machine. Users can manipulate economic variables such as investment expenditure and government spending, visualizing the resulting changes in real-time. This innovative approach aims to provide an engaging and educational experience, reminiscent of Phillips's original vision.

Financial Times

Alan Smith, head of visual and data journalism at the Financial Times, emphasized the educational value of the FT Money Machine, stating that it offers a unique experience of economics. The app is part of the FT Schools Programme, which provides free access to economic content for secondary schools worldwide.

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“Real Heath Robinson” — Allan McRobie, Professor of Structural Engineering, University of Cambridge

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“Just as Phillips might have justifiably claimed when he introduced his machine 75 years ago, the result is economics as you’ve never experienced it before.” — Financial Times promotional statement

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The FT Money Machine is set to be a significant educational tool, with plans for further development and integration into educational curricula, enhancing the understanding of economic concepts for students globally.

Financial Times