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Em.B

Date:

Nov 2023

Showcase:

London, UK

Dec 2023

Em.B is a kinetic interactive installation that invites participants to explore the concept of machine agency and the capacity for humans to establish empathic connections with non-human entities. The work attempts to transcend the mechanical nature of these entities, enabling them to cultivate their own tactile language that conveys gestures of comfort reminiscent of human embraces. 

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At its core, the project unveils the intricate interplay between an individual's identity and the surrounding world. The machine defies people’s preconceived expectations by acting in ways contrary to its character, making the decision of who will receive its embrace. Judging from the observer’s movement and physical responses to its atypical visual aesthetics, the machine determines whether to extend a physical embrace to the chosen human or remain in a self-hug as a form of protection.

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The design uses digital sensing, motor-actuated pulley systems, and soft robotics to mimic human-like behaviours. These systems combine to form a heterogenous assemblage whose aim is to reignite our connection to bodily sensations and act as a conduit for kinaesthetic dialogue.

Project Film of Em.B

  • scanning | analysing | judging | deciding ---- Rotation 

The rotation is achieved with a gear mechanism on the base board. The smaller gear is the driving one whose speed and direction are  controlled by a stepper motor.

rotating base.png

  • scanning | analysing | judging | deciding ---- Software 

Kinect is used to collect and analyse visual input. The judgement is happened according to the acceptable rating by AI.

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  • first act of deciding | adjusting height ---- Linear Movement 

The Alluminium Profile Frame is built as a strong structural core for the mechanisms nested within and on it. Besides, it also acts as  the rail for linear movement. Once Em.B made its decision, the arms will slide along the rail to adjust height based on the user it chose, as a first act of acceptance. It is actuated by a linear actuator which attached to the core base ;supported by alluminium cross section. 

linear.png

  • hugging ---- Pulley System 

The pulley system is doubled with a double-pulley attaching to the stepper motor to achieve two-directional hugs.

pulleybox.png

  • ​hugging ---- Arms 

Multi-layer arms are developed to prevent it dropping down. To achieve the accepting / defensing movement, the Arms follows the same design logic as Prototype C.

DSC07043.png
fullarm-defend_protect-01.png

Acceptance / Neutral / Defensing mode of the Arms

  • empathy ---- Breathing 

The soft surface has been developed from attached soft surface clips to brush-on silicone, which is easier and more efficient for the complicated form of new arms. Additionally, inflation and deflation of the silicone structure are also added to achieve a more human-like movement and reflect the real-time reaction of the robot through its frequency and strength. When people get hugs from Em.B. they will also feel the breathe and pressing through bodily contact, thus creating a more varied experience. 

breath.png

  • consistent aesthetic ---- Exoskeleton 

exoskeleton.png

developing versions & final version of the Exoskeleton

Develop Process Documentory Film of Em.B

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