The Ambient Tent Experience turns ordinary spaces into programmable environments. Walk in, scan a QR code, and instantly control lights, visuals, and ambiance through a beautiful web app—no downloads, no complexity, just pure magic powered by local AI.
See how Maya and Alex transform the tent in under 30 seconds.
Transform underutilized space into a revenue-generating, engagement-driving experience that showcases responsible AI innovation.
No app stores, no accounts, no setup. Scan a QR code and you're in—the interface appears instantly as a progressive web app that feels native but requires zero installation.
Choose from curated presets like "Cozy Reading" or "Focus Café," or describe your own scene. The system orchestrates lights, projector visuals, and audio in seconds.
Fair queue system ensures everyone gets a turn. The first person becomes admin, others contribute ideas, and control passes smoothly when someone leaves.
On-premises AI understands your prompts and translates them into device actions—fast, private, and reliable even without internet connectivity.
Sensory-considerate design with quiet modes, adjustable brightness, and warm lighting. Perfect for neurodivergent users and anyone seeking calm focus.
Ephemeral sessions with no personal data collection. Everything runs locally—your experience stays private, and metrics are anonymized for facility insights only.
Explore the visual possibilities created by our local AI system—each scene designed to transform your space.
Our vision, approach, and roadmap from prototype to reality.
Spaces should adapt to people, not the other way around. Too often, we're forced to fit into rigid environments designed decades ago—static lighting, fixed furniture, one-size-fits-all ambiance. We believe the future of public spaces is programmable, responsive, and deeply human.
The Ambient Tent Experience is our first step toward that future: a space where anyone can walk in and, with a simple prompt, transform their environment to match their needs. Whether it's deep focus, creative brainstorming, quiet reading, or playful imagination—the space becomes whatever you need it to be.
We're building frictionless, inclusive experiences that make technology invisible while making its benefits tangible. Our mission is to:
Yes. Everything we need exists today.
The system architecture is straightforward: a web interface talks to a local server, which orchestrates devices through automation workflows. We're not inventing new technology—we're connecting existing pieces in a thoughtful way.
Development timeline: A working prototype can be built in 6–8 weeks. A pilot-ready version in 12–16 weeks.
Yes. The need is real and the barriers are low.
Zero installation means no friction. Scanning a QR code is familiar—people do it for menus, payments, and parking. The interface is inviting and speaks plain language. Presets make it easy for first-time users. There's no learning curve.
This isn't just a cool tech demo—it's a platform for learning. OBA can study how people use programmable spaces, what prompts they create, which features matter most. It showcases responsible AI in a tangible, experiential way. And it differentiates OBA as an innovative, forward-thinking institution.
The timing is perfect. Local AI is finally powerful enough to run on consumer hardware. Progressive Web Apps have universal browser support. Smart home devices are affordable and reliable. And most importantly, people are increasingly aware of the need for personalized, accessible spaces—especially post-pandemic.
Public institutions like libraries are looking for ways to stay relevant and engage younger audiences. This project positions OBA Next Lab at the forefront of experiential innovation, demonstrating what's possible when technology truly serves human needs.
Fair, transparent control that prevents chaos and ensures everyone has a voice.
When designing a shared, programmable space, we faced a critical question: who gets to control it? Without structure, shared control becomes a free-for-all—imagine multiple people trying to change the lights, music, and visuals simultaneously. The space would feel chaotic, not cozy.
We also had to prevent "hogging"—one person or group monopolizing the space indefinitely. Libraries and study spaces have always struggled with this: someone claims a room and stays there all day, preventing others from using it.
Our solution draws from familiar social contracts: there must always be someone first in line. This isn't about hierarchy—it's about clarity. The first person to arrive gets to be the "session starter," just like the first person at a coffee shop table picks where to sit. They set the initial tone, duration, and approve the scene that everyone contributes to.
But here's the crucial part: when the admin leaves, control automatically passes to the next person. There's no vacuum of authority, no confusion about who's in charge. The queue is visible to everyone, so it's transparent and fair. This creates a natural flow—people use the space, move on, and the next group gets their turn. It's self-organizing social infrastructure, encoded into the interface.
Everyone who scans the QR joins the current session. The first person automatically becomes Admin—they have control over key decisions like session duration and final scene approval. Others join as Participants who can submit prompts, vote on ideas, and see everything that's happening.
When the admin leaves or the session ends, control smoothly transfers to the next person in line—no interruption, no confusion.
The admin role is intentionally limited to prevent abuse while maintaining order:
What the admin cannot do:
Sessions have a maximum duration with gentle warnings 5 minutes before ending. This prevents hogging and ensures fair access.
After a session ends, there's a brief cooldown before the same group can book again—giving others a chance.
Audio never exceeds 60% volume to protect hearing and respect the surrounding space.
Lights stay within comfortable ranges—no sudden blinding flashes or complete darkness.
AI classifiers prevent inappropriate prompts while maintaining a curated preset library.
One tap returns everything to safe, neutral defaults if something goes wrong.
The Ambient Tent Experience demonstrates how thoughtful design, local AI, and simple interfaces can transform how people interact with their environment. This isn't just about technology—it's about creating spaces that truly serve human needs.
Built for OBA Next Lab • Designed for inclusivity • Powered by local AI