MAJ: Looking Outwards #5
Admiration: Pinokio
Pinokio, created by Shanshan Zhou, Adam Ben-Dror, and Joss Dogget, is an animatronic lamp that responds to faces and sounds. It has various behaviors, the most amusing of which is its ability to prevent itself from being turned off. Processing, Arduino, and OpenCV were used to make Pinokio.
I’m immediately reminded of Luxo Jr., Pixar’s lamp mascot. From a technical standpoint, I’d be interested to see how Pinokio‘s joints are modified from those of the typical lamp, as Pinokio appears to be capable of relatively fast (although relatively noisy) movement. I’d also be interested to see how Pinokio‘s observed behaviors are expressed in its programming.
For more about Shanshan Zhou, click here. For more about Adam Ben-Dror, click here. For more about Joss Dogget, click here.
Surprise: Tropism Well
Tropism Well, made by creative studio Harvey & John, is an interactive sculpture that pours drinks. Through a combination of an Arduino Mega and a ultrasonic sensor, Tropism Well is able to sense one’s presence and “bow” toward them. The weight of the liquid is used to create the bowing motion.
I’m particularly fond of the graceful motion Tropism Well is capable of. Although the bowing motion is simple, it is well executed and gives this robotic sculpture a feeling of life. I also like Tropism Well‘s elegant design, which is somewhat reminiscent of a fancy piece of furniture.
For more about Tropism Well, click here. For more about For more about Harvey & John, click here.
What Could Have Been: Daily Stack
Daily Stack, created by Sebastian Rønde Thielke and Anders Højmos, is a stack of wooden blocks placed on a base that interfaces with one’s computer to create visualizations of time commitments. There are three types and sizes of block, each which represent a kind of time commitment (work, break, and procrastination), and a time-span (60 minutes, 30 minutes, and 15 minutes.).
While I think that visualizing one’s time is a worthwhile idea, Daily Stack seems a bit contrived. The overall atheistic is charming, however I can’t help but think how easy it would be accidentally knock the blocks over.
For more about Sebastian Rønde Thielke, click here. For more about Anders Højmos, click here.