The Funktionide by German designer Stefan Ulrich.

Based on an intensive two month research (in cooperation with FESTO and the EMPA) concerning artificial muscles my work reflects upon how new technologies will change future products (and society), and the way we interact with them.

One day active materials such as electroactive polymers will drastically change the way we perceive products. Products will gain new dimensions ranging from changing tactile surfaces over active membranes to morphing shapes. Products of the future will be “alive” in a way.

[The Funkionide] is an amorph object whose intention is to provide the owner with an atmosphere of presence thus counteracting the feeling of loneliness. In the visions future people are lonely and with all the new dimensions products offer, humans will eventually turn to “robots” for emotional satisfaction.

Now if this isn’t one of the strangest things I have ever stumbled upon, I don’t know what is.  So according to Ulrich, we will all live in a lonely future where only “robots” can provide the right amount of “emotion satisfaction” to give us a boost for the day.  In this case, the “robot” is a giant morphing blob.  Oh, how I hope such a bizzare future does not come true!

[Via Gizmodo; vimeo page]