Autonomous Aerial Systems
Simulation and show control
In collaboration with artist Anicka Yi, Sitara Systems led software design to bring her Aerobes, autonomous dirigible drones, to exhibit at the New Museum's re-opening in Spring 2026.
As Virtual Production & UX Designer, I helped translate artistic vision into a viable technical system. This included designing a software control interface, creating a 3D digital twin pipeline, and coordinating real-time spatial tracking to avoid unwanted collisions. Working within the Unreal Engine ecosystem allowed for for rapid prototyping and simulation- especially useful since testing at full scale was not readily available.
Formerly on display in the Tate Modern's spacious lobby, the New Museum's smaller exhibition space posed new challenges. Low ceilings and nearby artwork created a very real set of constraints, leading to some creative choreography and modifications to the aerobes' autonomous behavior. The result is a carefully structured software system that fades away as the aerobes' autonomous dance take center stage.