// UNFOLDING

Team members: Nóra Barna, Márton Hunyadi and Ines Nirkko

As a team — Marci, a product designer; Nóra, a dancer and media artist; and Ines, an animator — we were united by a shared curiosity for human–robot interaction, somaesthetics, and the diverse ways bodies can be animated, both biologically and mechanically.

// Embodied interaction

// Machine mimicry

// Movement dialogue

// Sensorial feedback

// Foldable structures

// Kinetic sculpture

Our inspiration stemmed from shapeshifting robots and mutable objects — forms in constant flux. We drew upon the work of Brazilian artist Lygia Clark, particularly her Bichos sculptures, which inherently function as living bodies: movable, interactive structures that invite the viewer to become a creator. Through this reference, we sought to expand the notion of horizontality and explore the presence of diverse living entities within space, mediated through technology.

// Arduino

// TouchDesigner

// Motion sensors

// Human–robot interaction

// Kinetic chain

// Interactive robotics

// Physical computing

// Real-time feedback

In this project, we were interested in exploring forms that were not only foldable, but also capable of generating specific kinetic chains. Marci experimented with the precise placement of the robotic elements on the object, designing supports that function like joints between two surfaces. Nóra and Ines focused on fine-tuning these joints, both through hands-on analog methods and digitally in TouchDesigner.

The robot operates using motion sensos and actuators connected through Arduino and TouchDesigner. As we developed the prototype both physically and digitally, we began to experiment with different modes of interaction between bodies and machine.We explored various ways to create both linear and non-linear interactions, dialogues, and small choreographies.

One of our main reflections centered on the subtle connection formed through attentive listening and the unintentional mirroring of the machine’s movements — a kind of emergent synchronicity between human and robot. This form of presence gave rise to a distinctive movement language and unexpected kinetic trajectories.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

In the future, we aim to experiment with alternative, more durable materials for the machine, integrate additional motion sensors, and further refine the kinetic chains. As potential outcomes, we envision creating a dance film, participatory installations, or — beyond the artistic field — developing the project for applications in physical rehabilitation, particularly in post-injury recovery contexts.

Thank you for the careful support of our lecturers:

Renata Dezső and Kálmán Tarr

// Movement therapy

// Improvisation

// Sensor-assisted therapy

// Somatic feedback

// Assistive technology

// Therapeutic robotics

// Body awareness training

// Motor re-education