The Blanket
The Blanket is a robotic artwork that lives on a bed and seeks out the people who share it. It engages through physical contact, nestling into a resting body, climbing onto a chest, allowing itself to be laid upon and cradling those who do.
- The blanket's body is a skeletal grid of interconnected motors arranged in a flexible polygonal mesh, with actuation at each joint. Inspired by CGI wireframe models, thes actuated joints allow for fluid deformation, and movement.
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The Blanket is both familiar and strange. A blanket is a transitional object, the first thing a child imbues with life; It's lifelike behaviors are instantly recognizable. But without a body underneath or a face to gaze into, the movements appear as an apparition.
The Blanket was developed between 2002 and 2007. It was exhibited at Ars Electronica, ISEA and Future Physical; used in several live performances; and received a special mention in the Japan Media Arts Awards. There are plans to redevelop it with a new design and control system, and make it available for future exhibitions.
The Blanket Project, 2002–2007