4LeftFeet is a stand-alone "robot" that utilizes artificial intelligence to play Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).
4LeftFeet plays as one of two players in multiplayer DDR.

Coming from a QA / hacker background, something that has always interested me is automation. I find it challenging and exciting to find ways to exploit technology and software to accomplish things they were not originally intended to do, particularly when it comes to saving time with repetitive tasks, or performing complex operations that would otherwise be impossible for a human behind a keyboard and mouse (or other human interface device).

When it comes to DDR, the bare essence of the game is performing a repetitive task on a human interface device. Of course, it involves other elements including coordination, rhythm, timing, practice, and sweat. When I considered the time, patience, and effort that it takes for an individual to become "good" at DDR, I conceived the challenge to build a device that could emulate the human element of the game, perform "well" at playing the game, and perhaps even perform in a manner that would be impossible for humans!

4LeftFeet will incorporate a fully-mechanical pneumatic actuation system, playing on a conventional DDR step-pad, to create a greater physical presence. Currently, being completely electronic, it is difficult to envision the complex processes that are taking place and allowing 4LeftFeet to be successful at DDR. With a mechanical presence, I feel that I will be able to better-relate a sense of "man-versus-machine" and convey my obsession with reverse-engineering the human gaming experience.