Where are your emotions located? Where reside your fears? Where are you in love? Advances in medical technology have radically changed our perception of the brain. Have you ever had a CT scan? Or an MRI?
The Tehuti Brain Scanner shows in spectacular fashion how these new techniques map your brain layer by layer, searching for the precise locations of your emotions, decisions and control of your
muscles.
Built around a crystal ball with a 3D model of the human brain, the Tehuti offers a range of simulations that illustrate various types of research.
My art is to play with
In “Full brain scan” a scan starts at the bottom, at the brain stem. As the crystal ball rotates, a red laser beam illuminates a slice of the brain. On the screen you see the scan building up. Once complete, the ball stops and the scanner moves to the next layer.
In “Emotion mapping” mode a photo is presented that evokes a certain emotion, the stimulus. The scanner shows the areas in the brain that are activated by this stimulus. The stimuli emotions range from fear and anger to love and belonging.
“Brand recognition” maps the recognition of iconic mondial brand logos in fashion, cars and fast-food to areas activated in the brain. Are you able to recognize all logos? I might have mixed in a few non-commercial logos…
The Trail-making Test is used widely in research and clinical diagnosis of brain defects. It is easy to administer and interpret. The simulation has 80 different patterns and even allows for occasional mistakes being made.
You may well be familiar with the “Stroop test”, where you have to name the color of the text, without getting distracted by the meaning of the text. Are you able to name the color faster than the simulation?
The “Thematic apperception” and “Rorschach test” have been included as an hommage to the early days of psychology. They have outlived their scientific relevance a long time ago but are still (in)famous.
The “Spinning light” and “Rainbow light” options serve a decorative purpose, showing the crystal brain in all its beauty while projecting intricate light patterns on the ceiling.
The Tehuti is equipped with radar sensor to detect the presence of humans, allowing it to go into sleep mode after it hasn’t detected a human being for 10 minutes. As soon as it detects someone it wakes up and continues its last actions.
About Michel
Michel Reij is a visual artist living in the centre of the Netherlands. With a background in cognitive psychology he worked in various roles in IT. His journey into machines started in 2015 with the creation of the Nautilus photo booth. His love for science, mechanics and electronics has been a lifelong passion.
Only 10 Tehuti Brain Scanners will be built. Each one comes numbered and signed, with a certificate of authenticity. Machining and assembly is fully done by Michel.
Each Tehuti Brain Scanner is carefully crafted from American walnut (FSC controlled), brass and quality electronic components. The glass parts are externally sourced.
No internet connection or wifi is used. Minor changes in the software can be requested, to personalize the work.
| Size (h × w × d) | 23 × 25 × 25 cm (9 × 10 × 10 inch) |
| Diameter of the crystal ball | 10 cm (4 inch) |
| Weight | 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) |
| Power | USB-C, 5 volt |
| Limited edition | 10, signed and personalized in software |
| Wood | American walnut, FSC controlled |
| Microcontroller | ESP32 S3 |
| Display | 4,9 cm (1.9 inch) AMOLED, 536 x 240 px |
| Laser | 10 mW, class 3B, 650 nm |
| Language | English |
If you would like to see the Tehuti in action or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.