Meet the Snake

Meet the Snake
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Officially named ADB, it is a tactile robot, reacting to touch. Normally still, if one of its modules is touched, the other modules immediately twist, seeking to be touched as well. This results in something akin to petting an animal in order to keep it still. Differing the pressure of the caress creates different responses. Even though it is designed to not look like an animal, it is difficult to resist the urge to treat it as one. Lots of "Awww, isn't it cute?" type of remarks. It was one of several pieces which explored emotive or social devices.