'MoleBot': An Organic User-Interface-Based Robot That Provides Users with Richer Kinetic Interactions

Abstract

We introduce a new type of organic user interface that displays a 3D robotic creature, 'MoleBot' to provide a ludic experience inspired by traditional board games. To ensure fluid motions of the molehills cast by the `MoleBot', the table surface combines horizontal rigidity with the vertical flexibility of over 15,000 movable pins. Users are enabled to kinetically interact with this creature via a joystick or gestural commands. We conducted user study sessions with 12 participants and classified the observed spontaneous play activities into 4 distinct categories: (1) enjoying simple ludic experience, (2) competing in skills, (3) mimicking realworld sports and (4) playing with a companion. In addition, a focusgroup interview with six video scenarios was conducted to explore the idea of potential applications and it was suggested that the 'MoleBot' can be used in interactive board-gaming environments and kinetically informative tabletops.