High Tech Art Exhibit - The Interactive World of Anteaters

Background:

The National Academy of Engineering identified the Joy of Living as an Engineering Grand Challenge of broad social importance. Though engineering and technological innovation are often motivated by specific practical concerns, this project diverges in that we aim to craft an experience designed to promote joy and connection.

To address this grand challenge, our team drew inspiration from interactive art installations that invite active participation and immersion. We set out to design an exhibit that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and dynamically responds to user input.

Goals and Objectives:

Our goal is to design an interactive model of UCI's campus featuring several modes of user interaction. The user should have free reign to move the figurine in a 1.5 square meter area, with various visual components actuating based on the figurine's location. The environment itself must also feel lively and inviting, featuring ambient motion actuated irrespective of the user's input. 

Projected Timeline:

11/21: Complete prototype CAD assembly with all essential subsystems (two-dimensional gantry, power supply and distribution, environment/housing).
11/26: Receive prototype parts.
12/5: Finish building prototype; begin user feedback surveys.
1/9: Compile criticisms and adjust requirements accordingly.
1/23: Complete critical CAD assembly with all subsystems.
3/13: Display completed exhibit on campus.

Team Contact(s):

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the people below.
Sammy Sukhwal (ssukhwal@uci.edu)
Michael Oeppinger (moepping@uci.edu)
Andrew Goodman (andrewbg@uci.edu)
Nathan Lara (nalara1@uci.edu)
Austin Wells (wellsat@uci.edu)

Sponsor

Prof. David Copp (dcopp@uci.edu)