The Brain Body Jockey (B2J) Project explores innovative concepts of the human body and the role of technology by enhancing the daily life of Mr. Masatane Muto, who is living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), through the use of BMI and body augmentation.
In this research, WITH ALS General Incorporated Association managed the stage performance, NOUPATHY handled BMI measurement and signal output, and OryLab Inc. oversaw the stage production. Our team was responsible for the body augmentation technology and overall direction.
On stage, we presented performances through a cybernetic avatar—an extended body controlled by brainwaves, featuring elements like an EYE VDJ system and dance capabilities, as well as physical interactions such as handshakes and high-fives.
Additionally, at this Kick-Off Gig, we received technical support from NTT Computer & Data Science Research Laboratories and NTT Sonority Corporation. We utilized open-ear headphones (nwm MWE001) that focus sound in a very small space, allowing us to deliver the necessary audio for brainwave detection close to the ear without leaking it to the surrounding audience. This enabled physical DJ performances using brainwaves while listening to the sound of the venue.
Brain Body Jockey (B2J) PROJECTでは、BMIや身体拡張を応用し、ALS当事者である武藤将胤氏の日々をより豊かなものにすることで、人々の新たな身体像と技術のあり方を探ることを目指しています。
本研究では、ステージパフォーマンスをWITH ALS、BMI計測及び信号出力をNOUPATHY、ステージ演出をOryLab.,が行い、身体拡張技術及び全体のディレクションを我々が行いました。
ステージ表現では、EYE VDJやダンスなどのパフォーマンス、握手やハイタッチなどのより身体的なコミュニケーションを、脳波で操作可能な拡張身体(サイバネティック・アバター)によって実現しました。
加えて今回のKICK-OFF GIGでは、NTTコンピュータ&データサイエンス研究所とNTTソノリティ株式会社の技術協力により、ごく小さな空間に音をとどめられるオープンイヤー型イヤホン(nwm MWE001)を活用し、耳を塞ぐことなく、脳波の検出用の音を周囲の観客に漏らさず耳元に提示することが可能となりました。これにより、会場の音を聴きながら、脳波を用いた身体的なDJパフォーマンスが実現されます。
EYE VDJ MASA
KENTA KAMBARA
■MC
Yukari Hirano
■Choreography
EYE VDJ MASA
KENTA KAMBARA
Mark Armstrong (KMD Embodied Media)
■NOUPATHY
Mikito Ogino (Dentsu Science Jam)
Shunsuke Aoki (Dentsu Science Jam)
Eisaku Ohta (Dentsu Science Jam)
■EYE TRACKING
Ory Yoshifuji (OryLab Inc.)
■Cybernetic Arms
Songchen Zhou (KMD Embodied Media)
Mark Armstrong (KMD Embodied Media)
Youichi Kamiyama (KMD Embodied Media)
Midori Kawaguchi (KMD Embodied Media)
Giulia Barbareschi (KMD Embodied Media)
Ryoichi Ando (KMD Embodied Media)
■Haptic transmission
Harunobu Taguchi (KMD Embodied Media)
■Lighting / Sound Effects
Hiroaki Hatsuse (Change Tomorrow PJ)
Yoku Tanaka (Change Tomorrow PJ)
■Videography
Kenta Kan (DALIFILMS, Inc. )
■Creative Direction
Ryoichi Ando (KMD Embodied Media)
■Production
Masatane MUTO (WITH ALS)
Mikito Ogino (The University of Tokyo)
Kouta Minamizawa (Keio Media Design / Project Cybernetic being)
■Music
1. 「NEWONE」 by EYE VDJ MASA
2. 「FLY (feat.androp)」 by EYE VDJ MASA
3. 「UNREAL (feat.androp)」 by EYE VDJ MASA
■Special thanks
Shintaro Takeuchi (NTT sonority, Inc.)
Mariko Nakamura (NTT)
Tatsuya Kako (NTT)
Ory Yoshifuji (OryLab Inc.)
CHANGE TOMORROW
Neuro Diversity Project