Himawari

Abstract

We propose the concept of shape memory alloy motion display (SMD), a new type of physical display, and introduce a plant-shaped robot "Himawari" based on this technology. SMD is a display apparatus taking advantage of existence of an actual object, and gives visual expressions by movement and change in shape of actuators, which are components of this device. Visual expressions resembling tentacles of sea anemone and foliage of grasses and trees are possible by designing the actuators, making way for new expressions by physical display. We built the plant-shaped robot Himawari as a piece of art applying SMD technology. We discuss the possibilities of SMD through fabrication of the completed piece of art, Himawari.