The Facial Rover team spent last week at Blast Theory’s headquarters in Brighton, undertaking the final stages of preparation for the project’s prototype testing at Dubai Future Week later on this month.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham joined the Blast Theory team for an intensive period of testing, refinement and configuration before the prototype was carefully packed and shipped to Dubai.

Facial Rover is an interactive experience that combines robotics, tactile technologies and conversational AI.  A camera explores participant’s faces in intimate close-up detail, controlled through a bespoke tactile interface that allows users to guide the camera’s movement themselves. Also incorporated in the installation is the Somaskins toolkit, which operates a wearable neck massager to punctuate key moments in the experience, alongside a conversational AI companion that guides participants through their individual journeys.

Next stop is Dubai to carry out prototype testing, which will provide an opportunity to gather valuable insights and user feedback to inform further development ahead of the planned public premiere next year.