Sesitree.

Mechanical tree with approach sensor.

Sensitree is an electronic circuit interactive art piece inspired by Theo Jansen’s work. It works with a microcontroller (arduino) programmed for a proximity sensor. When it identifies a person at a distance of 3 meters, the multi-colour top of the structure will react with rotational movement, making it come to life. Depending on the distance a person is, the structure rotates at different speeds (the closer a person is to the tree, the faster the movement will be). This structure was created to be installed in a public area, ideally in a park, and is weather resistant. The design was based on trees and clouds; the coloured “cloud” that forms the upper part of the “tree” has different colours that, given the material and the sunlight coming through it, creates different combinations of colours both in the cloud and on the ground.

The video below shows the arduino proximity sensor.