WIBOT
The Wibot is a portable, open-source device with an e-paper screen. It can be built by printing three shell parts and assembling some electronics, with an option to add a strap for easy carrying. Wibot acts as a mediator between users and nearby machines, displaying information about its interactions with the environment in a friendly, human-like tone. For instance, it can reveal the number of Wi-Fi networks it detects, track encounters with specific networks, or express boredom if no new connections appear. Autonomous and energy-efficient, Wibot operates continuously without requiring power toggles, helping us better understand our digital surroundings.
The objective of this project is to make people aware of the existence of this density of communication and interaction of machines in the form of human social metaphors and thus create a new way of understanding the ecosystem of networks, and Wi-Fi in particular.
WEB PLATFORM
A web platform to which we can connect allows us to interfere in the intimacy of the device. This web platform can be considered as Wibot's social network. Each Wi-Fi encountered by Wibot is listed on the site. They are considered here as contacts. As in any social network, a social hierarchy is set up. The Wi-Fi met by Wibot are classified by "acquaintances", "friends", "close friends" and "best friends" according to the number of times they have communicated together.
Two data visualization modes are available. On an interactive map, it is possible to consult in real time all the crossed Wi-Fi networks. Each of its Wi-Fi has its own physical address. You can also visualize these Wi-Fi networks on a timeline, which allows you to see the density of communications on a time scale.
Generative visuals
Each Wi-Fi network has its own distinct visual representation, uniquely generated based on its specific data attributes. These attributes include details such as the network's MAC address, its name (SSID), signal strength, geolocation coordinates, and potentially other unique identifiers. The result is a one-of-a-kind image that serves as a visual "fingerprint" for the network. This fingerprint is entirely unique to each Wi-Fi, making it not only a representation of its technical characteristics but also a symbolic encapsulation of its identity within the digital and physical landscape.
Printed edition
A print edition was created to visually represent the vast amount of Wi-Fi data recorded by Wibot. This edition serves as a comprehensive directory of Wi-Fi networks, meticulously documenting the details of each one. Much like a traditional phone book that lists telephone numbers and addresses, this directory provides an organized catalog of Wi-Fi networks, including their names and associated addresses. It not only highlights the scope of Wi-Fi data captured by Wibot but also transforms this digital information into a tangible, physical format, bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds. This printed record acts as both a reference and a visual testament to the prevalence and ubiquity of wireless networks in our modern environment.
