In nature, animals such as hedgehogs and porcupines evolve diverse defensive mechanisms, yet humans lack such inherent safeguards. Can we transmute the sense of unease into our own protection?

External Spine is a interactive social prosthesis that transforms internal emotions into a tangible shield. As nerves intensify and the heart rate rises, the External Spine activates. Similar to the quills of a hedgehog, my insecurity becomes my defensive weapon.

Exhibitions:

Stories in Motion: An Interactive Pop-Up Art Exhibit at Museum of the Moving Image ↗

Auto-Organics: Robots for a Living Earth at Grace Exhibition Space ↗

Teammate: Hong Hua

Instructor: Ofer Shouval

Tools: Neurosky Mindwave Mobile 2, Heart rate sensor, Arduino Uno, Servo motors, PLA