SAM (Socially Anxious Machine) is an interactive audio-visual installation exploring social anxiety through the behaviour of a seemingly living machine.

Combining a physical sculptural form with projection-mapped animation, light and an original musical score, SAM responds to the presence and behaviour of its audience. Its emotional state moves between happiness, boredom, loneliness, overthinking, overwhelm and meltdown.
Rather than asking audiences to actively operate an interface, SAM responds to how people behave around it. Stillness and calm allow SAM to become happier, while activity and stimulation can push it towards more anxious states. Animation, movement, light and music change together to communicate these transitions.

The work is designed as a large-scale public installation for light festivals and cultural events. It is currently in development for presentation in 2027.