What Does It Do?

EyeCam is a webcam, but not just any ordinary one. It is designed to look and behave like a human eye, complete with a fleshy exterior, eyelids, and the ability to move, blink, and even express emotions. The device is built around the concept of anthropomorphism, which refers to giving human characteristics to inanimate objects, creating a sense of familiarity and empathy.

Functionally, EyeCam tracks movement, responds to touch, and can follow its surroundings like a human eye. It mimics blinking, gazing, and even reacting to environmental stimuli. By combining mechanical parts with a detailed silicone exterior, the EyeCam can emulate the subtle behaviors of a real eye, offering a sense of human interaction between the user and the machine. It acts as both a camera and a tool to encourage a closer look at how devices can simulate organic movements.

The EyeCam isn’t just about aesthetics or interaction. The broader goal of the project is to challenge our relationship with technology. It raises critical questions about privacy, surveillance, and the emotional bond we may develop with machines that mirror human qualities. By adding life-like qualities to a webcam, EyeCam turns an otherwise mundane tool into an object of curiosity and, in some cases, discomfort. This human-like eye stares back, observing its users in a way that makes the act of surveillance more personal and, perhaps, more invasive.

Another significant aspect of EyeCam is its open-source nature. This allows other developers and researchers to modify or experiment with the technology, encouraging the broader tech community to explore new ways of bridging human-computer interaction. The project's ambition goes beyond mere replication of a human eye; it aims to foster creativity and reflection on how technology can more closely resemble human behavior.