Remote Rover Shinjuku
(2010 – 2012)
Ignore that robot, it looks very busy.
A remotely controlled 3D camera mounted robot was sent out into the day to day lives of people living in Shinjuku, Japan. Originally intended as an exploration of reactions of people to a seemingly sentient robot appearing out of the blue, it was the lack of reaction, and acceptance of this strange piece of equipment crawling along the footpath that came into focus.
Shown originally in a custom built 3D viewer mounted on a wall on Gertrude Contemporary, Gertrude St, Fitzroy, viewers were able to submerse themselves into the viewpoint of the small rover. Not only does it link people to day to day life in another country, but provides the experience of existing as a small wheeled robot.