Sweet! Introducing the playful, attention-seeking Pinokio lamp

New Zealand is going to be in the news a fair amount over the next few weeks as the release of Peter Jackson’s much anticipated Hobbit-fest will focus attention on the impossibly-beautiful island. But it’s not all about fantasy landscapes and Tim form The Office marauding round with hairy feet, and if there’s any justice in the world then there’ll be plenty of attention lavished on Pinokio as well. The brainchild of University of Wellington students Shanshan Zhou, Adam Ben-Dror and Joss Doggett this cheeky little chappie is seemingly aware of its surroundings, attention-seeking and determined not o be turned off. With the help of an Arduino circuit board, a webcam and some clever software the trio have produced a fun, interesting and charming piece of furniture that explores questions of sentience in a pleasingly Pixar-inspired way.