Soft Machine
An interactive art installation breaking the stereotype of cold machine and expressing the integration of art and engineering, humane and machine, through Arduino Uno, ultrasonic-wave sensors, and servo motors (2021)
Project Overview
Soft Machine is an interactive art installation that challenges the stereotype of machines as cold and mechanical. The project explores the intersection of art and engineering, humanity and machines, through responsive physical interaction.
The installation combines an Arduino Uno, ultrasonic distance sensing, servo actuation, and digitally fabricated structures to create a machine that responds dynamically to people approaching and interacting with it.
Concept
Interactive Art
Human–Machine Interaction
Art & Engineering
Hardware
Arduino Uno
Ultrasonic Sensors
Servo Motors
Skills
Arduino IDE
Embedded Systems
3D Printing
Physical Prototyping
Project Description
The installation uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence and distance of viewers. These measurements are processed by an Arduino Uno, which controls servo motors to generate responsive physical movements.
Rather than presenting the machine as a rigid or purely functional object, the project explores how motion, material form, and interaction can give a machine a more expressive and human-like presence.
Through this interaction, Soft Machine reflects on the relationship between technology and humanity, and on how engineering systems can become expressive artistic media.
Installation
-1400.webp "Soft Machine installation")
