Robotickle

Ever since my sacred son Elyon started working on his doctorate in computer-human interface, I've become increasingly interested in the relationship between humanity and its machines. Especially the part that has anything to do with making things more fun.

Since there are so many different explorations of the Human-Technology-Fun connection (H-T-F), I've decided to dedicate this week to just that.

Here, for example, is a short movie of a machine that should tickle one's fancy, at least. I found it on a rather understated, techno-art web page, called, in a doubly negatively positive way, "Not Not."

The author explains: "This small robot walks on the human body to generate a pleasant, tickling sensation. It has two motors and rubber feet for a good grip on the skin. When it encounters a slope that is too steep, it will steer until a safe level is found, and it will continue its way."

Should you be so moved to inquire further, here are the technical specifications.

I'm thinking this whole Human-Technology-Fun (H-T-F) connection is going to prove a topic most worthy of our collective consideration.