Bion

http://www.asquare.org/networkresearch/?p=124

"Bion is an interactive art installation that explores the relationship between humans and artificial life. The name makes reference to an individual element of primordial biological energy identified as orgone by the scientist Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957). The installation is a sensor network that is composed of 1000 3-dimensional glowing and chirping sculptural forms. Each bion, measuring approximately 4×3x2.5 inches is a synthetic “life-form” consisting of a tiny computer, an audio speaker, blue light emitting diodes, and multiple sensors. These sensor units have the ability to communicate with, and react to, the bions around them and the viewers that enter the space."