Ricoh Co., Ltd. (JP), Art and Program, Inc. (JP), Ars Electronica Futurelab (AT) Exhibition

Imagine a future where diverse beings, not just humans but also non-humans, work together as a team. These teams could include members from various organisms, such as microorganisms and plants, advanced technologies like robots and AI, and even the Earth’s environment. What would it be like to work in such a team? How would we collaborate and care for one another? As a first step, we need a means of communication, or perhaps a new language.

In the Future Buddy platform, diverse non-humans come to life on the buddy module. They serve as upper modules (the brain) that can be combined with the lower module (the body) to enable sensing and communication through features such as sensors, microphones, speakers, light, and movement. When linked to the module, they become our collaborative companions in the physical workplace, offering endless possibilities of Future Buddies, beyond conventional robots.

In the Exhibition, we present three buddies with different languages: sight (image), smell (scent), and hearing (music). This artistic research explores new forms of collaboration and care in the future of teams.

Photos by Bettina Gangl