The Refined Life of Robert

Manita Thanadca

sandthanadca@gmail.com / sandthanadca.com

"The Refined Life of Robert" is an interactive screenlife animation exploring the effects of AI dependence. The story follows Robert, a remote worker who meets Lyra, an AI assistant promising improved performance at his new job. As Robert relies on her, his life becomes more refined but controlled. Facing a critical crossroads, he must choose to either return to an unrefined state or surrender to optimization.

This project incrementally integrates Generative AI into original illustrations to portray the erosion of one’s authenticity caused by AI enhancement. Through real-time gesture tracking, the work invites the audience to inhabit Robert’s digital space and use their physical input to navigate his world, ultimately deciding his fate.