[(sycophant)]

Sycophant explores the relationship between viewers and a human-like robot. The human head is mounted on a motorized base which moves along a track. As a viewer walks by, the head follows on the track, while plying him or her with a cornucopia of compliments such as "I really like your hair" and "You look really hot!"

Technical Background: Sycophant is mounted on a former R/C car body. On board, three active infra-red proximity sensors allow the head to track viewers. A PIC microtroller is used for control, and audio is played back from an analog audio recorder chip. Magnetic reed switches are used for limit-stops at the end of the track.

Sycophant was shown at Fraser Gallery Bethesda "Artomatic Top 10" group show, Jan. 14 - Feb. 9, 2005.