Narrative robotic sculpture for international automotive A-fair
With super kamiokande LED sphere, 6 axis robot and accompanying app
A chromium-plated robot is located in the center of a geodesic sphere made up of LEDs which serves the robot as a drawing stage. The robot reflects the illumination effects, resulting in a magnificent light display. Through its choreographed movements and visitors’ touch gestures, the robot shows the high tech features of the new BMW M engine.
Robotic choreography
Aesthetical movement and interactive behaviour
Mostly solid black with irregular cut-outs, the monolithic exhibit reveals the super-kamiokande and geodesic digital stage inside of the sculpture.
When MUTABOR was conceptualizing this exhibit, they were sure they wanted to work with MESO on the digital and technical part. We were commissioned to bring the robot and lightning to life. As part of our interactive media arrangement, visitors communicate with the robot via touch gestures and “tickling” a button.
The main focus of our design had been on giving the robot an organic and unique character.
After more than a year’s development, the bespoke Real-time Robotic Motion Library enabled the robot to behave with human characteristics, such as breathing, excitement, or relaxation.
Presented at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany the exhibit is an unforgettable experience and expertly conveys the dynamic feeling and technological performance that are at the heart of BMW M values.
Presented at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany the exhibit is an unforgettable experience and expertly conveys the dynamic feeling and technological performance that are at the heart of BMW M values.
Brand communication
Involving information on product features
The visitor enters the world of the BMW M by touching the specially animated logo. The exhibit awakes.
The visitor enters the world of the BMW M by touching the specially animated logo. The exhibit awakes.
The three main topics “vehicle models”, “engines” and “differential gears” communicate product features with animated and interactive content.
The three main topics “vehicle models”, “engines” and “differential gears” communicate product features with animated and interactive content.
All content is available in eight languages, including Chinese.
Each scene challenges the user to perform a touch gesture whose shape represents the mediated product content, such as driving curves or slippery streets.
In a breathtaking moment, the visitors’ fingers can precisely control the full robotic power in real-time.
Each scene challenges the user to perform a touch gesture whose shape represents the mediated product content, such as driving curves or slippery streets.
In a breathtaking moment, the visitors’ fingers can precisely control the full robotic power in real-time.
Various key moments and special experiences of the interactive storytelling were also considered in rich detail.
An interactive mode triggered at the rim of the cabinet uses bold robotic actions to showcase the superior quality of BMW M Performance.
While waiting for the next topic selection, the robot engages and interacts with visitors by “nodding” and directly “gazing” at them.
Various key moments and special experiences of the interactive storytelling were also considered in rich detail.
An interactive mode triggered at the rim of the cabinet uses bold robotic actions to showcase the superior quality of BMW M Performance.
While waiting for the next topic selection, the robot engages and interacts with visitors by “nodding” and directly “gazing” at them.
Behind the scenes
Making-of
On the basis of a full-scale prototype in our office in Frankfurt, we prepared the mapping of the 1,200 individual RGB LEDs.
On the basis of a full-scale prototype in our office in Frankfurt, we prepared the mapping of the 1,200 individual RGB LEDs.
We developed a system for creating all animations in 3D space.
A particularly interesting aspect was synchronizing the analog and virtual animations. All designs had to be played back in real-time to precisely map the light painting to the actual movement of the robot.
This simulation of of all involved media gave a realistic impression of the final experience.
Curious about our approach? Feel free to get in touch!
Sebastian Oschatz Partner +49 69 24 000 321 sebastian.oschatz@meso.design sebastian.oschatz@meso.design +49 69 24 000 321
MESO Digital Interiors GmbH
Gutleutstr. 96 . 60329 Frankfurt . Germany
Team
David Brüll, Thomas Eichhorn, Katharina Mayrhofer, Johannes Scherg, Nikos Mechanezidis, Friedrich Söllner