The Kaokto is a Light Art and Soft robotics installation.
I build it together with my good friend Marvin Zapf in KAOS Berlin.

Kaokto is a captivating and large light sculpture that dances and glows above the heads of visitors. With its eight arms, the central body and the countless lights it reminds of a deep sea mythical creature. It was created for the annual event of the summer festival 2022 at KAOS, Berlin.

Hackaday Berln 2023 @ Motion Lab Berlin

Set up at a height of 3 to 4 meters and with a span of 12 meters, with the arms extended, it creates an impressive and slightly surreal first impression. The movement of the arms coupled with the many controlled lights and the artfully running effects captivate the audience.

Magic moment where the kraken was shown to the audience
@ KAOS Berlin – Summer festival 2022

The sculpture is a soft robotics application, the arms are continuously filled with air using an industrial fan. At the end of each arm is a kind of nozzle through which the air escapes again and a lift is generated. Through further valves and a clever control of these, the octopus appears alive. Through this simple and flexible construction, the Octopus is inviting people to interact with the arms. Without any problems the arms can be touched, held and played with flowing air.

Front view from the dance floor
@ KAOS Berlin – Summer festival 2022

The arms are transparent and filled with hundreds of light points. The LEDs are embedded as a chain and can be controlled individually. A low-resolution display is created and forms the basis for a high degree of design freedom. Light patterns create different emotions. The spectrum ranges from a venerable scenery to excited, escalating.

Quick outside shot while preparing the kraken as a wedding highlight