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Cryptographic Beings: A Bio-Hybrid Machine for Information Storage

Michael Sedbon introduces Cryptographic Beings, a technological proposal that leverages our ability to control and abstract biology to perform digital information storage. The project was conceptualized and prototyped in summer 2021, with production occurring from September 2021 to March 2022. The work was showcased at Au Dela Des Pixel, a digital art exhibition curated and organized by 36 Degres, in March 2022 in Paris.

Cryptographic Beings is a functional prototype of a digital data storage device on vegetal media. It uses living algae, custom electronics, and software code to store information. The machine consists of an array of 30 vegetal bits made of filamentous algae held in glass vessels. The control of the information flow is handled by a set of specifically developed robotic arms that control photosynthetic processes in each of the bits. The state of each bit (the digital information) is retrieved by a custom-made device based on a color sensor. The machine is designed to run autonomously for months throughout an exhibition.

This work was awarded Silver in A' Interactive, Experiential and Design Installations Award in 2023. The Silver A' Design Award is rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

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