Outerspace

Concept: Markus Lerner
Andre Stubbe
Date: 2006

“Outerspace” is a robot that makes a curious first impression. And indeed, this insect-like creature is attempting to establish contact with its surroundings.

The little robot constantly seeks light and movement, and actually discovering something new just heightens its curiosity that much more. Despite the bare-bones, flexible stick-figure form of this reactive sculpture, communication with installation visitors is quick to come about.

The “Outerspace” robot consists of three rods that are connected by joints and driven by four servomotors. The front-end rod is equipped with photo-sensors that enable it to register brightness and movement. Capacitive sensors on all three rods let “Outerspace” react to touch. The evaluation of environmental sensations and the issuance of commands for subsequent reactions are managed by two BX-24 microcontrollers linked to a processor run by custom-written Java software.

The basic physical form of “Outerspace” is oriented on sensitive insect feelers that can perform flexible movements. The origins of its repertoire of motions are in the animal kingdom, in body language and human gestures.

“Outerspace” is a project at the nexus of art and design, physical computing and artificial intelligence.

Prix Ars Electronica 2006, Honorary Mention in Interactive Art