The Truth About NICEBOTS

The project showcases the construction and design of interactive robots in a one-month long open studio exhibit known as NICEBOTS.

The open studio format allows for dynamic changes throughout the exhibition since the artists transform the gallery space into a working studio where the audience is able to observe and learn how the bots are built and interact with them in their space during the exhibition. The bots are taught with different behaviors and adjustments were made by observing the interaction of audience with the bots and the effects the bots have on the audience. By having only motor and sensor controls, the bots begin as infants during the one month exhibition. Additional bots will be built and their brains will evolve as the show develops. Each robot will have their personality with unique behaviors.

With the exception of circuit board fabrication and laser-cut wood pieces, the electronic handicrafts NICEBOTS are constructed almost entirely by hand using available hobby materials. Each bot contains the same basic components that make up the body anatomy since they are designed to be of the same species. IR range sensors and line following sensor are used.

Rest of the project