4th year studio- Physical AI

Physical AI

From Cultural Narratives to Physical Objects

Gadi Amit, Nitsan Debbi

What makes an object an entity? How is intelligence embedded into a system? What distinguishes cognition, intelligence, and artificial intelligence? What happens when AI moves beyond the screen and becomes part of the physical world? How might the relationship between humans, objects, and AI reshape everyday products, systems, and experiences?

This studio explores the design of physical products and systems empowered by artificial intelligence. It investigates objects in which AI functions as part of a broader ecosystem of communication, interaction, and behavior. The course examines how learning, prediction, and adaptation can influence the function, form, materiality, and design language of future products.

The studio begins with research into cultural narratives, human behavior, and emerging trends. Based on these insights, students will develop a systemic perspective, define relationships between users, objects, and environments, and create new interaction scenarios and experiences. These concepts will then be translated into physical systems consisting of objects, interfaces, and touchpoints that express the evolving relationship between humans and AI.

Throughout the semester, emphasis will be placed on systems thinking, form development, material exploration, user experience, and the dialogue between people, products, and their environments. Students will develop a design proposal grounded in a plausible technological framework while articulating a personal position on the role of intelligent objects in a rapidly changing world.

The course concludes with the presentation of a physical artifact developed within a coherent design vision and use scenario, offering a thoughtful perspective on the future relationship between humans, technology, and the material world.

Course Structure

The studio combines in person and online learning. During two to three intensive weeks, scheduled according to Gadi Amit's visits to Israel, classes will meet on both Mondays and Thursdays. The remainder of the semester will alternate between in person and online sessions.

The total contact hours are identical to those of all other fourth year studio courses, with no additional or reduced workload.