Luminescent tentacles

Abstract

Luminescent Tentacles is an interactive installation inspired by waving tentacles of sea anemones in the depths of the ocean. Comprised of 256 shape-memory alloy actuators, the elongated forms move in response to hand movements. Further accentuating the movement, the tip of each actuator softly glows like a bioluminescent organism. Each actuator, or tentacle, is activated by three shape-memory alloy wires, giving the tentacle the flexibility to bend in six directions through the combination of three currents. Employing principles of fluid dynamics, the control application replicates the movement of water ripples. Luminescent Tentacles also includes sounds, prompting the viewer to create music while using hand movements to stimulate the movement of the tentacles, thereby offering an experience similar to interacting with sea anemones.