FRIENDSWITHYOU
THE BAND
Five fuzzy, furry besties are ready to dance: meet the BAND by FriendsWithYou.
Deeplocal worked with artist-duo Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, along with the Cleveland Public Library, LAND studio Inc, and composer Norman Bambi to bring the BAND (Biodigital Autonomous Neuro Dancers) to life. Built in our shop, ROC, ETZ, LIX, PMJ and FUR represent different healing vibrations; each friendly robot blurs the line between humanity and technology, inviting visitors to dance, hug, play, and become a part of the live experience.
Tapped for our software and engineering expertise, we created 3D models, developed a custom robotics framework and motion tracking system, wrote backend code, choreographed dance moves, performed playtesting, and more.
One of our first tasks was selecting realistic dimensions – we determined a max robot height of 8’- 6.5” and max width of 6’, which ensures participant safety and enables each robot to move smoothly through the space. Each BAND member consists of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a custom-sized frame, an upholstered fabric cover, and integrated lights.
To control the robot movements, we created a bespoke camera system using blob tracking for humans in space, and AR marker detection for calibration. To position the robots, we employed an ultrasonic beacon system: ultrasonic pulses emit from beacons around the room, and microphones on the robots pick them up – this prompts the BAND members to move around and re-orient as needed.
Character design was crucial every step of the way: each BAND member is fluffy, colorful, and irresistibly approachable. Shaggy faux fur in bright shades, and glowing, responsive lights (carefully hand-stitched into the upholstery) breathe life, whimsy, and magic into the experience.
Finally, using guidance from the FriendsWithYou team, and an original score by composer Norman Bambi, we helped design the robot choreography. During the dance state, the robots break from their ambient / roaming state, and come together to perform a special routine.
Every phase of this project was completed in close collaboration with FriendsWithYou. We’re grateful to be a part of this one-of-a-kind art installation, open now through October 2025 at the Cleveland Public Library.
FRIENDSWITHYOU’S
FIRST USE OF ROBOTICS
open for one year
AT THE
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
“This time, [FriendsWithYou] turns to advanced technology as a site to explore the symbiotic potential of human and digital relationships.”
— Hypebeast
“They are soft to touch, and they seem to have their own thinking as they avoid ramming through people; they instead stop and rotate while playing ambient-like sounds that are connected with healing frequencies.”
—Designboom
“We've worked with LAND, the Cleveland Library and Deeplocal—these amazing engineers and coders that helped us create this experience to be as beautiful and as powerful as we possibly could get it—and it really is delightful,”
—Sam Borkson in Cleveland Magazine
