“Footsie”: Exploring Physical Human-Machine-Interaction through Flirtatious Furniture

ABSTRACT“Footsie” is an interactive kinetic art installation. It inspires to connect people through the counter-intuitive physical interaction that is mediated by flirtatious machines. It consists of a table and four robotic chairs; the chair legs carry the motion of “footsie” and arms caress the back of the participant. While it tackles the controversial culture and social norms on touching others body or being touched, an experimental bodily experience explores new aesthetic interaction between lonely human and a mischievous digital entity. The interaction is provocative in a slightly uncomfortable way, and the paradoxical feelings and stimulating sensations open simultaneous interpretations on the meaning of Human-Machine-Interaction. Through nature inspired design like human spine, flexible muscle of mollusca and a caterpillar’s undulating wave motion, these pliable structures were fabricated with 3D printed meta-materials to create the sensual gestures.