XR / AR Technologies
- Aposema -
Soft robotics
3D Printing
Arduino
3D MAX
Silicon Casting
Grasshopper
Rhino
Houdini
Photogrametry
MIT DeDForm 2019
Aposema is a speculation of a near-future scenario in which our ability to empathize with our fellow humans is impaired. We are no longer able to process each other’s facial expressions. This reality has forced us to develop an artificial mechanism to read each other’s emotions and act accordingly. In this world, we mask ourselves with responsive facial prostheses that analyse facial expressions and provide supporting information.





The Aposema mask would be able to read and analyse facial expressions performed by the user. The masking process is comprised of two levels; a pattern in the soft robotic interface, performing as an encrypted layer of information exhibiting the analysis, and a layer of augmented reality through which these patterns are unlocked. These two layers, joined together, communicate emotional information aimed at guiding interaction between these impaired human beings.
The mask would conceptually read the wearer's expressions and compile an approximate simplistic analysis of their emotional status according to the six universal emotions as defined by P. Ekman. The mask then outputs encrypted information representing this emotional state through a soft robotic pattern. Each emotion is represented by a colour, with three hues representing three levels of emotional intensity. The augmented reality layer, shown to the user as an additional layer on top of real-time experienced reality, would be viewed through their right eye lens, which would be implemented in the mask.
