Cousteau is a kinetic interactive sculpture, a meditation on the intersection of Nature and Technology. The sculpture’s form is inspired by aquatic life and movements: sea grass swaying in the ocean, the undulating motion of currents, and the hide-and-seek of some sea creatures. The project grew out of my interests in oceanography and design, and the way that we as humans anthropomorphize in order to relate to technology. Cousteau synthesizes these ideas by using simple movements to suggest that technology might possess its own life force; through an array of sensors, the sculpture monitors its surroundings, reacting to ambient activity, and a user’s proximity.

The project is a collection of modules, where each unit acts independently yet still communicates with others. Each module consists of an array of “eels” which grow upward from the base, creating a dynamic field. The “eels” bob back and forth as well as up and down depending on the inputs received from the sensors. For instance, if a user startles Cousteau, the “eels” will seek safety by retracting into the base. Alternatively, if a user waves his hand over a portion of Cousteau, the “eels” may emerge to investigate. Stimulating one module might provoke a neighboring or a remote one to react as well, as if seeking attention or expressing neglect. Cousteau’s animation is contingent upon multiple factors such as noise levels, distance readings and especially frequency of stimuli. Using multiple inputs this way will keep the interaction interesting and ever-evolving, adding a higher degree of unique experiences.

We routinely ascribe human attributes to inanimate/slightly animate objects: laptops whose LEDs glow when put to sleep, cell phones chirp when they need charging, televisions modulate a room’s ambient lighting. Sensors, microprocessors and wireless networking make it feasible to imbue our designs with the intelligence to react to their surroundings, the networked world and to us. Can we use this awareness to design objects whose interactive characteristics invite more projection of human attributes?

The general public, the avant garde and venture capitalists.

Imagine swimming under a tropical blue ocean, and marveling at the white ocean floor. A rhythmic pattern of sea grass attracts you. As you approach, the sea grass suddenly stiffens and retreats into the sand. You bob, staring inquisitively, steadying your movements and the sea grass reappears. As it becomes accustomed to your presence, it even allows you to reach down and run your hand through it. As you do this, you notice that other areas of the sea grass are becoming more animated, vying for your attention.

Cousteau is a project based on a matrix of undulating fibers, or “eels.” The fibers act independently as well as in an organized fashion. Equipped with sensors, they are aware of their environment and use movement to attract as well as to hide. Each cell communicates with the next, allowing them to operate independently as well as in clusters. The cells can be arranged in different formations, while still maintaining unity.

Cousteau is a simple input/output device that monitors its surroundings and reacts to changes in its environment. Cousteau uses sensors to listen and to measure the proximity of a person. Cousteau reacts to stimuli by physical moving and changing its size. Cousteau consists of 4 (hopefully) 10 x 10 x 14\" units made of acrylic, guitar string, servo motors, IR sensors, xBee radios, Arduino boards and other electronic gizmos.

I\'ll tell you when I\'m finished...