Using innovative Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology these robots are able to produce their own electricity by 'digesting' dead insects and other small animals. The following link explains the chemistry at work if you're interested:
http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/NCBE/MATERIALS/MICROBIOLOGY/fuelcell.html
They created five semi-functional prototypes with unique means of luring and collecting the food that is used to power their functions.
There was a lampshade;
a coffee table;
UV fly zapper;
fly-paper clock;
and what was called a 'fly-stealing robot';
Common across all the prototypes was a simple trap that animals could get into but not out of, and they all utilize the generated electricity to work their sensors and other electronics.
The website reveals that the prototypes have been demonstrated publicly and were designed to challenge the preconceived ideas about what role robots will play in our future. Instead of humanoids trying to replicate human activities, such as vacuuming or washing dishes, they may instead go about their business in the background and assist us in less obvious ways. MFC technology adds to the functionality of current day furniture and fixtures, meaning there is no need to find more room for and have to justify another gadget. Thus, for the most part the physical design and aesthetics are conservative enough that people could quickly recognise its function; specifically the coffee table and lampshade, and may not even be aware of its unique qualities.
The design of some of the prototypes, however, allows you to see the exact mechanics at work; perhaps largely to highlight the novel nature of the device. I'm sure it would have been entirely possible to hide away at least the MFC chamber, and undoubtedly if this technology is used in real-world devices it would not be so blatant as these 'entertaining' prototypes. On that note, I thought the idea of 'entertainment' was a bit of a stretch. It was likely used to make it more evocative and to highlight the uniquely implemented but arguably unnecessary MFC function.
It is clear that sustainability was a major consideration in the design of these prototypes. Alternate energy sources such as solar, wind power or natural gas seem like logical replacements for fossil fuels, but perhaps we need to shift away from the idea of “plugging things in” to draw power from a vast network of cables and think about how those things may generate their own electricity.
Another clear influence on the design was that of life itself, such as carnivorous plants. The idea of using organic materials to create electricity may mark the first steps towards a synergy of the biological and the mechanical. I particularly like the fly-stealing robot that encourages spiders to create their webs on the armature that the robot then relies on to initially catch the flies. I have heard that scientists have tried to produce spider webs artificially and have so far been unsuccessful, so it makes sense to get spiders to make the spider webs. But then will the house of the future encourage a certain population of pests in order to keep everything running smoothly? Will we need to feed and tend to our furniture like we do our pets? This may create a set of problems that makes this type of technology undesirable. I do not imagine people would want to raise a horde of flies just to keep their lamp running. One day we may see robots that survive on the organic waste we produce, or actively find their own food. Perhaps they will even have the ability to maintain and repair themselves. They may even be able to replicate and evolve and be truly alive but that is far beyond the scope of this subject.
What I found interesting was the idea of physical computing where people aren't involved in the interaction. These prototypes are designed to interact only with their prey, thus broadening my idea of what interaction design encompasses. Perhaps the future holds physical computing devices for our pets so they know when we're returning home to them or to communicate with them remotely. Perhaps animals could communicate with each other? Physical computing may be of benefit to more than just humans. It opens up a whole new way of thinking about interaction and communication.
Image from bulldogdomain.com
Interestingly, some of the prototypes, such as the coffee table, only require fuel to power their ability to capture their fuel and generate power. An ordinary coffee table and a mouse trap would achieve much the same result, albeit with the added effort of removing the dead mice. I would hope with advances in MFC technology the functionality of the prototypes could be expanded and more devices will use it.
From reading this website I have learned that physical computing need not be restricted to people and machines. Sustainability can go beyond simply cleaner generation of electricity but to move away from a reliance on nationwide infrastructure and become more self-sustainable. Even the idea of what robots can be has changed, and how they may be able to eat to generate their electricity and the myriad of places that could take us, not all of them desirable.
HR Giger sculpture at the entrance of the HR Giger Museum.
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