Creepy Creatures: Build a Face Tracking Robot
In-person at InterAccess - Register here
Registration Fee: $30 Member | $50 Non-Member
Scavenge an old toy, doll head, or build a cardboard creature – then breathe life into it using computer vision and robotics!
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to connect a camera, simple vision software, and a servo motor to create a small creature that physically turns to look at you.
We’ll demystify the basics of feedback loops, camera-based tracking, and motion, exploring how machines perceive us, how we can design reactive behaviours, and how those behaviours shape our interactions with our creations.
Starter code, along with plug-and-play alternatives, hardware, and craft supplies will be provided. Prior experience with coding or electronics is helpful, but not required. Just bring your curiosity and Frankenstein ambition.
By the end of the session, each participant will have prototyped a custom human-following creature and gained a framework they can expand into more complex interactive artworks, installations, or performances.
Prerequisite Knowledge
This workshop is designed for beginners and welcomes participants from both artistic and technical backgrounds.
Required:
- General comfort using a laptop and installing software
Helpful, but not necessary:
- Creative coding (e.g., Processing, Python, Arduino, etc.)
- Physical computing or simple electronics
All technical concepts will be introduced clearly. Starter code, plug-and-play options, and hands-on guidance will be provided. Participants will work in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Workshop Requirements
Participants should bring:
- Laptop (Windows, Mac, or Linux), with a USB port (or adapter) and a built-in or external webcam
- Arduino IDE 2.2+ installed
Optional:
- Python 3+ and your favourite IDE (if you’d like to explore or modify the code yourself)
- A doll head, googly eyes, or any object(s) you’d like to animate
If you have any questions about workshop requirements, contact education@interaccess.org.
About the Instructor
Asucena Di Giovanni is a systems artist exploring themes of categorization, agency, visibility, complicity and control. She creates installations that activate with human presence, triggering surveillance-like responses that reflect and shape how people move, react, and relate to being watched. Her work has been shown with UKAI Projects, InterAccess Gallery, and Nuit Blanche.
InterAccess's 2025 Education Programming is made possible through the support of EQ Bank.
Equity Access Pricing: To reduce financial barriers, a pay-what-you-can discount is available for any community members that self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group. To request an Equity Access code to use for workshop registration, please email education@interaccess.org. Studio Members also receive a discounted rate on workshops, in addition to other great benefits.
Accessibility Information: We are located on the second floor of the building, which is accessible by two flights of stairs or an elevator. The front entrance has an automatic push door and is accessible by ramp or a short flight of stairs. Inside, all InterAccess facilities are on the same level, including a single-user accessible washroom.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: We are unable to guarantee attendee cancellations or refunds less than 1 week prior to a workshop or event. InterAccess reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this workshop if necessary. Please email education@interaccess.org to request a refund.
Questions? If you have any questions about the workshop or special requirements, please contact us at education@interaccess.org.