Robot armpit

Kevin Grennan created this Robot Armpit prototype. There's more good stuff about his work with robots that smell scary in this We Make Money Not Art interview and profile, in honor of The Smell of Control: Fear, Focus, Trust, which deals with smell and robotics.

It was important to me that the odours and chemicals came from within the robots and that they were an integrated means for them to communicate with the humans who would surround them. Each robot that I have augmented with a 'sweat gland' emits a particular chemical that has a specific effect on humans and the chemical has been chosen to further enable the robot's primary function.
In the case of the bomb disposal robot the 'sweat gland' releases the smell of human fear. It has been proven that humans can identify this specific smell and it tends to enhance cognitive performance in. I propose that this robot would enable surrounding humans to work more effectively and to differentiate dangerous situations from false alarms.
In the case of the picker robot. It releases a chemical called androstadienone, which is found in male sweat. This has be shown in research to effect mood in females under certain circumstances. I have speculated that this robot when used on a production line could enhance the performance of female employees in it's vicinity.

Prototype Robot Armpit (via JWZ)

I write books. My latest is a YA science fiction novel called Homeland (it's the sequel to Little Brother). More books: Rapture of the Nerds (a novel, with Charlie Stross); With a Little Help (short stories); and The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (novella and nonfic). I speak all over the place and I tweet and tumble, too.

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someToast

Robot “armpit.”

Riiiiiiiight.
angusm

“I have speculated that this robot when used on a production line could enhance the performance of female employees in it’s vicinity.”

Because the only thing more motivating than working a 10-hour shift on a production line is working a 10-hour shift on a production line that smells like some guy’s armpit.
InsertFingerHere

Vagina.
- Antinous / Moderator
  
  Bad hair transplant.
Anonymous

If the core purpose of this thing is the release of smell/scent, couldn’t this be done without the tacky looking sex toy attachment?

Oh, and if my armpit looked like that I’d be straight around to see my GP.
Anonymous

This has be shown in research to effect mood in females under certain circumstances.

Circumstances like when they were hoping to run into a sweaty guy? Because from all the literature I’ve seen, pheromones have at best very subtle and limited effects in humans.
Anonymous

Cory, you need to get down to the royal college of art show this week (if you haven’t already!) this guy is showing stuff there, plus the 3d sand printer you posted a few days ago. The whole design interaction department is great anyway.
bricko

When I was younger…the little neighbor girl had something that look a lot like that
wgmleslie

Oxter.
Boomer

Great post! It gives me food for thought about a new speculative fiction novel I’m writing (a la “Stepford Wives in reverse) in which a group of women scientist come together to create their perfect male companions. I’m calling it “Rubber Husbands.”
mcmikedermott

Damn. There goes THAT cool band name.
Garst

I hate having the taste of vomit in my mouth!
jjasper

Perfect gift for someone who has an alien wedding cake.
robulus

I have speculated that this particular device will do fuck all for anyone.