Year
Autumn 2023
Course
Tangible Embodied Interaction
Tech and/or Tools
Inspired by Pixar's semi-anthropomorphic lamp "Luxo Jr.," we created a robotic desktop lamp prototype. Constructed with laser-cut boards and integrated with Arduinos, servo motors, LED rings, and a power supply, the Lumi lamp communicated with users and its environment through sound and proximity inputs, responding with movement and light. This project explored interactive light sources within Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), emphasizing how the lamp coexists in the user's space. Through iterative design, we developed a robotic desktop lamp that served as both an interactive entity and an independent companion. Subgenres of HRI explored include interactive light, movements, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Our findings indicated that the artifact's role as a companion is defined by its responsive behavior rather than its physical appearance. Unfortunately we did not manage to make all the features work in the end, which is a learning opportunity. This was due to time-shortage and design-flaws when incorporating the server motors. Therefore the showcase and testing of the lamp was made ”Wizard of Oz” regarding the movement. The main learnings when working with the prototype was to explore designs and shapes that afforded movement, and adapting the material choices to work with the technology. A learning was also to code the input and output using a PUCK JS, an Arduino and server motors, and to make all steps in the interaction work together. Below are images of the first prototypes that were tested.