Project :: Nature Bot

Nature Bot

Nature Bot is a two-part, interactive art installation that uses technology to facilitate a remote exploration of nature. A kinetic sculpture is activated by the light and colour from an exploration of a natural setting facilitated by a remote-controlled robot.

Exposure to natural environments is beneficial for psychological and physiological wellbeing. Evidence suggests access to, or a view of nature relieves mental fatigue, improves recovery time from operations, and is effective in pain relief.

Nature Bot explores how technology can be used to provide a connection to nature where access to the real thing is impossible. The project was developed alongside the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), as a way to harnesses the beneficial properties of ‘wild nature’. The project presents a unique approach to using technology to mediate a sense of immersive connection to nature, providing the user with agency within an external natural environment.

Nature Bot was developed in collaboration with Culture Lab, Digital Interaction group, Newcastle University.

People

Sophie McDonald
David Kirk, Newcastle University
Fabrizio Smeraldi

Research Areas

HCI
ART
Interaction Design
Research Through Design
Interactive Environments
User Interfaces