EMPATHY SWARM

EMPATHY SWARM is an emergent system of autonomous robots that acts as a human machine interface and creates an ecosystem of man-machine-cohabitation. The swarm is a society of robotic creatures based on the equality of all members and constantly negotiates and balances the needs of all individuals. In its role as a human machine interface the robotic system is simultaneously activating and reacting to the emotions of the human actant. While the swarm expresses itself through its movement, the human responds subconsciously through motion and facial expressions revealing their emotional state. Together these mechanisms create a bio-feedback loop which shows the interdependence of both species.

On another level, EMPATHY SWARM defines its very own definition of what it means to be a utility apparatus, which is based on the idea of machine education, leading away from an optimization concept of human set goals in the form of machine learning. Instead the idea of self-drive and self-determination of the robotic machine is implemented which does not evolve from a position of suppression and machine revolution against human supremacy. On the contrary, EMPATHY SWARM gives space for the vulnerability of the robotic offspring and fosters the careful convergence of both species into an ecosystem and society of empathy and compassion for each other and among themselves. The human and robotic mind are merged into an extended hive mind that is a source of information and inspiration for future societies and can be utilised as a preventative medicine for a dystopian future.

SWARM DRAWINGS

SWARM DRAWINGS is both a robotic installation and the outcome which this produces. As an infinite reservoir of inspiration the swarm drawing robot is capturing the impressions and possibilities of the behaviours of a swarm. Closely related to the EMPATHY SWARM series, SWARM DRAWINGS is reinterpreting in its very own way how an algorithm can try to capture time and movement showing patterns and structures that are underlying the EMPATHY SWARM-society over time.The work asks questions about the robotic ability to be creative and to express its own understanding of the reality of its own species.