The “take a seat” chair is a robotic chair that follows you around! The user has a library card embedded with an RFID chip, which the chairs use to find and follow their target. Also, it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
The video is fun to watch as you get to see the chair in action, following this guy around the library. Somehow the chair is cute enough that it doesn’t seem too creepy that it’s always right behind you.
Dutch designer Jelte van Geest created the chairs for Openbare Bibliotheek Endhoven, a library design project. He says. “Robots are often seen as mean machines. However, they do have a more friendly side, which should have a more prominent place in our society.” Whoa, there, Jelte- just don’t get too comfortable with them- or that whole robot overlord thing could happen right under our noses.
This is great for someone like me, because I’m lazy. Then again, I never go to the library so I guess I’d need a home version. Another application would be in a bar, so that when you get up to grab a new drink some jerk doesn’t steal your seat.
Now all it needs to achieve perfection is a cupholder.
[via momeld]
