BEAT

BEAT is an interactive installation which takes the user's pulse via an optical heart rate sensor and then syncs a mechatronic copper heart with the user's own pulse. It drew from Victorian-era mechatronic devices as well as V-twin motorbike engines — the heart mechanism uses springs, cams, gears and pistons powered by a 12-volt motor. The cabinet interior uses thick black felt to minimise light and focus attention on the suspended copper heart; embedded LED lighting intensifies as the heart's speed increases to match the user's pulse, creating an atmosphere of excitement and energy.