Using simple garage bags and a serious amount of cooling fans, Nils Völker has created an installation titled "one hundred and eight" that, in his words:
Although each plastic bag is mounted stationary the sequences of inflation and deflation create the impression of lively and moving creatures which waft slowly around like a shoal. But as soon a viewer comes close it instantly reacts by drawing back and tentatively following the movements of the observer. As long as he remains in a certain area in front of the installation it dynamically reacts to the viewers motion. As soon it does no longer detect someone close it reorganizes itself after a while and gently restarts wobbling around.
Watch the following video for a demonstration of Nils' most elegant and fascinating installation:
One Hundred and Eight – Interactive Installation from Nils Völker on Vimeo.
Although the design instructions have not been published, there is not doubt that there would be a lot of shift registers, I/O expanders and relays involved to get all those fans moving. Once again, a fascinating example of what is possible with an Arduino board, imagination and serious funding. For more information on the 108, visit here.
However to get started with your own Arduino-based projects is not expensive at all - start with our Freetronics Eleven, the Arduino Uno-compatible with onboard prototyping space: