Abstract / concept statement
I want to play with the idea of IoT gone wrong – what happens when we make our objects smarter? What if we develop artificial intelligence in our device to the point where our device try to reason about how best to function? As human beings, do we imbue what we create with our flaws?
To do this, I want to create an installation with a couple objects exhibiting this idea.
I’m unsure which ideas to use, but here’s a list of things I might do:
- A table or chair that slopes off when you try to use it (made on a micro scale)
- A mouse or glass of water that actively hides and avoids being used
- A toaster that launches toast far too high
- A roomba/roomba-like device that tries to vaccum up things you’re currently using
- A fork that swivels out of the way of food when you try to use it to grab something
- A cup that tips over once it’s semi-filled
- A blanket that shivers or refuses to come off of you
- Lights that get sleepy over time, dimming or slacking until they’re shaken awake
- A tie that moves on its own, anxiously
Hardware
It depends on what I decide to pick for this project, I might be interested in the super-toaster, but I’m not sure how to implement it. I’ve been considering using a fly-wheel to launch the toast, but unfortunately this might mean I’m unable to toast any bread I put in.
For the mouse that avoids you, I would just a couple distance sensors, and I could move the tail back and forth like a real tail for the mouse.
The table might use some kind of servo or linear actuator to move the legs up and down, and some kind of force sensor to know when you are putting stuff on it.
Software
Idea dependent
Order of construction and testing
- Decide on what projects I’ll do, and then buy supplies
- reverse engineer any devices I need, and start building prototype
- Ask for help with mechanical issues with prototypes
- develop working prototype
- Work on aesthetic polishing
