Baby Lamp- Taste of Parenthood

Our project is an interactive light sculpture designed to blur the line between a “useless machine” and a reactive, almost pet-like object. The machine reacts to human presence by either running away, lighting up in a playful manner, or becoming “annoying” if left untouched for too long. It incorporated LED strips, an ultrasonic sensor, and an Arduino microcontroller to control various behaviors. The form is inspired by organic curves, allowing for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

Arduino Kit:

1x WS2812B LED strip

1x Arduino Uno Controller Board

1x HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor

1x Breadboard Mini

1x USB Cable

Material:

Veneer

Dowels

Thread

Wires

Tools:

Laser Cutter

Scissors

X-Acto Knife

Sandpaper

Bob Smith Super Glue

Bob Smith Glue Accelerator

Other:

Rhino8

We brainstormed ideas for a machine that could respond to interaction in an unpredictable way. The goal was to make it seem alive, shifting between a product and a pet-like behavior. The final form was designed to integrate LED strips within curved surfaces, influencing the movement of light.

The Arduino code was designed to control the LEDs based on sensor input. The key features include:

1. Hand tracking: The LEDs illuminate in white when a hand approaches.
2. Random movement mode: If left untouched for a while, the LEDs cycle through colors to simulate independent movement.
3. Annoyance mode: If ignored for too long, the LEDs flash red rapidly to mimic frustration.

The code effectively determines whether the machine behaves as a playful pet, a lightbox, or an annoyance, depending on the interaction it receives.

Testing and Adjustments:

During testing, we fine-tuned the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor to avoid erratic responses. The transition between modes was refined to ensure smooth changes between interaction states. LED brightness and response times were adjusted for optimal user experience.

The machine utilizes an Arduino microcontroller to control its behavior. The key components include a WS2812B LED strip, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and an Arduino board. The ultrasonic sensor detects the presence of a user and triggers different lighting patterns based on proximity and time elapsed since the last interaction.

A TinkerCad diagram was created to map out the wiring connections, ensuring correct power distribution and signal processing between the components.

The sculpture was created using Rhino for digital modeling. Spaces between the folds were intentionally left open for LED placement. A small structural base was added to house the Arduino components.

The structure was built using veneer, thread, and wire as primary materials, with laser cutting for precision. The laser-cut parts were assembled to hold the LED strips securely within the folds. Mesh was incorporated to diffuse the light and create dynamic shadow effects. Thread and wire were used to add structural support and to integrate additional design elements that contribute to the interactive nature of the piece.

The interaction was dynamic and engaging, creating an experience that felt responsive and unpredictable. The organic form complemented the light effects, and the behavior switching successfully mimicked "lifelike" responses. One of the challenges was tuning the sensor sensitivity to prevent erratic readings. The structure also required modifications to better diffuse the LED light and ensure visibility. Power management was crucial to prevent flickering issues and maintain smooth operation. This project demonstrated how a simple LED-based device can feel like a living entity rather than just a product. The versatility of the code allows it to function as a decorative light, an interactive pet-like object, or a playful distraction. The final design successfully integrates form, function, and interactivity to create a unique and engaging user experience.