Projects
Facial Rover
Blast Theory
To further explore embodied AI – in particular the feedback loop between AI and humans – we are collaborating with partners Blast Theory to create a new installation combing soft and hard robotics, aiming to fascinate audiences, prompt dialogue and produce world-leading research.
The Facial Rover places visitors in a space that feels like a mix between a luxury spa and a photography studio. Lying on a lounger filled with computer‑controlled cushions, visitors will be invited to use a soft, skin-like controller to move a camera positioned alongside them on a robot arm, capturing a close‑up view and exploring features of their face, as the AI model controlling the system forms its own interpretations [to do what?].
The experience aims to provide both a calming and hypnotic response as the robot arm enters the viewers personal space, prompting an uncanny looping effect causing reflection to turn the viewers gaze back on themselves, making them feel like both the viewer and the object being viewed.