Fides

Fides (pronounced “fee-dehs,” from the Latin word for trust and loyalty) is an interactive sculpture that challenges the conventional expectations placed on the dynamics between humans and robots. Unlike traditional robotic interactions that emphasize subservience and the need for robots to earn human trust, Fides redefines this relationship by questioning the one-directional power dynamic and exploring the essence of trust itself. The sculpture was co-created with Elizabeth Parent in 2019.

In this speculative piece, Fides poses the question: Is trust something that can be manufactured, or is it an innate, instinctive feature unique to animate beings? Additionally, Fides examines the role of gaze in the formation of trust among individuals. Since humans often rely on visual cues to assess trustworthiness, Fides seeks to isolate and highlight this fundamental aspect of human interaction.

By challenging traditional perceptions and prompting introspection, Fides encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about the nature of trust and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

Fides uses facial landmark detection and tactile sensors to determine whether it trusts the person in front of it, irrespective of whether the human trusts it. This approach subverts the traditional dynamic where humans are the "clients" who need convincing to trust their artificial companions with their privacy and daily tasks. By reversing the gaze, Fides confronts us with the question: Who is the true spectator? Who is watching whom?

The physical form of Fides rejects anthropomorphic ideals. It is not designed to look pleasing to the human eye but instead embraces an amorphous and viscous shape with an unimpressed demeanor. This design choice provokes contemplation on how we, as humans, feel about objects that possess their own sets of opinions and feelings.

Fides features various interactive elements, including:

- Tactile Interactivity: Encouraging touch as a means of interaction.
- Facial Tracking: Utilizing facial landmark detection to assess trustworthiness.
- Circuitry: Revealing the underlying technology that powers its responses.

By challenging traditional perceptions and prompting introspection, Fides encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about the nature of trust and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

Alessia Canteros

Sculpture

On paper

Digital

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Fides