HOLD-ME-TIGHT
Interactive Robotic Installation
Human-Robot Interaction Study
The HOLD-ME-TIGHT installation is a robotic art piece featuring two robot arms mounted on a wall which they are movable by a controller. Positioned in the corners of the room, these arms are designed to embrace or grasp individuals who stand between them, inspired by the concept of Touch starvation resulting from distance from loved ones due to relocation, such as my own experience moving from Iran to America.
Drawing from industrial and military themes, juxtaposed with a romantic motif, the aesthetic and functionality of the robot arms create a compelling paradox. The installation offers two modes of interaction: solo and duo performances.
In the solo performance, individuals operate the arms using a controller, positioning themselves between them to experience a hug or grasp. The emotional response varies, potentially evoking feelings of comfort or unease, reflecting the individual’s subconsciousness.
In the duo performance, one person stands between the arms while their partner, acting as controller or lover, manipulates the arms' movements. This dynamic explores power dynamics within relationships, akin to puppetry, where one individual dominates the space around the other.
Through this exploration, HOLD-ME-TIGHT delves into the dehumanized mechanical absurdity, irony of human interaction and game theory within the context of current socio-political landscapes. It emphasizes how human dynamics shift with physical proximity and distance, often triggering double-edged senses.
