YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/BjXGdnZjjd8?si=1Tmfy00mUiTPGHe3

Description:

Flexion by artist Daniel Miller, is an interactive robotic organism that looks to connect to exhibition visitors, extending their actions into a larger gallery installation.  Sensors will drive a web-like network of air actuated artificial muscles, within an installation.  The artificial muscles will look like an organic web spreading out to the corners of the space.  In this way the sensor to air actuated artificial muscles feedback link will extend the limitation of our bodies into the installation space.  This artwork will react various sensors that explore a range of possible interactive modalities.  This work looks to be inclusive, engaging all visitors to the exhibition space. This artwork explores the potential of technology to create new synthetic bodies that extend the limits of our human bodies.  In this way this network of pneumatic muscles is a surrogate extension of the visitor

This interactive piece looks to be accessible to all viewers. Sensor inputs include, stretch sensors that be physically pulled by viewers who are seated or standing and distance sensors that read proximity.  The stretch sensors are custom built and are similar to the artificial muscles in their materials and movement.  The “muscles” in this installation will be made from black mesh, latex tubing and custom machines parts.  These pneumatic artificial muscles are based on McKibben Artificial Muscle technology.  The muscles will connect to white bungee cords in radiating “root-like” networks that connect to sections of the gallery wall with normal drywall screws and additional anchors as needed.  This highly variable form can be installed so the pneumatic muscles span corners, run up wall, stretch along floors or unique architectural spaces.  Visually there will be a contrasting linear optical movement between the black air muscles and the white bungee cords as they pull and release.  The artwork will have two modes a sensing and non-sensing performative mode.  when not in “sensing mode”, the Flexion installation could operate on preprogrammedsequences to perform with organic movements.

This highly adaptable installation, is made from flexible material that can be compressed and easily transported, cutting down on transportation costs and carbon footprint.  However, when installed Flexion expands in volume and becomes responsive to site.  Flexion looks to a future where art and architecture are more malleable and less destructive, as these soft robotic bodies can conform to their environment.  This project explores new modalities of interaction and motion.  The inclusive nature of this work. explores the potential of accessible technology.  Flexion looks to extend the limits of our human bodies through a network of pneumatic muscles becoming a surrogate extension of the human participant.  Additionally, Flexion is made from mostly made from latex rubber tubing and aluminum, both sustainable materials.  Aluminum is an infinitely recyclable material and latex rubber tubing is a renewable resource harvested from rubber trees, which are not cut down in the process and can continue to produce latex for many years.

Materials: Aluminum, latex tube, mesh sleeve, bungee cord, poly tubing, stretch sensors, solenoid valves, various air connectors, Arduino, polycarbonate, various electronics, air compressor.

danmillerart.com