Somatic Circuits
An arts & science project at the intersection of neuro-electronics and interactive media art. The result of the collaboration is an interactive installation where participants join in a sensorial ritual using breath, sound, and electrical stimulation as modes of connection — becoming part of a living neural network.
Experience the Fusion of Art, Science, and Technology
Innovative Art-Science Collaboration
Right from the application phase, the artist, scientists and curator have worked jointly on an equal eye level, understanding their different approaches, building trust and a shared vision. Their aim is to create an interactive user experience that makes science accesible through a sensory, interactive experience
Future Medical Technologies
Electronic signals or ultraosund is usually used in tiny neural implants to stimulate nerves. For the project, ultra-thin biocompatible electrodes formed like a hand are produced on TPU by Fraunhofer, applied on a TPU based inflatable, that is equipped with a pressure sensor, a directed ultrasound speaker and a microphone.
Interactive Experience
Visitors interact as “neurons” in a network. Breathing rythm is translated into directed ultrasound, that is received vis-à-vis and translated into an electrical signal. Thus, participants can “feel” the breath of others on their hands and can get in touch through ultrasound.
Berlin Science Week, 6-8.11.2026
Somatic Circuits at Berlin Science Week
Breathe, feel, connect.
What does it feel like to be part of a neural network? At Berlin Science Week, you can find out with your whole body.
Somatic Circuits invites you into a sensorial ritual of breath, sound and touch. Each participant wears a large, colourful inflatable neuron. Your breathing rhythm becomes a focused beam of ultrasound that travels through the space, reaches someone across from you, and turns into a gentle electrical impulse at your fingertips. Like bats, participants send out signals, catch their echoes and together create an ever-changing landscape of sound and sensation.
This year, Berlin Science Week is all about being “In Touch”. With Somatic Circuits, we take that literally. Touching and trying out are not just allowed, they’re the whole point.
Come by, put on a neuron and become part of a living network, where science turns into a shared sensation.
Berlin Science Week 2026 – Festival Centre
6–8 November 2026
Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW)
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, 10557 Berlin
About
The artist Marlot Meyer, the gallery Art Claims Impulse and the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration work on an equal eye level in an art & science project funded by the WKD programme of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft in order to translate hard science in a public experience.
Marlot Meyer
The artist in the field of interactive media, Marlot Meyer, uses technologies to investigate and reorganize relationships within bodies, between bodies and their environments.
Fraunhofer IZM
Fraunhofer IZM is a a microelectronics research institute. The Bioelectronic Technologies research group deals with the design and production fo neural interfaces. The Circular Design Lab works at the intersection of technology development, sustainability and design.
Gallery Art Claims Impulse
Since 2006, Art Claims Impulse has stood for innovative and unconventional art, with a focus on video art, media art, installation and deeply engaged with art and science collaborations.