As if cubicles weren’t enough, the boffins at Clemson University have come up with a computer controlled robotic wall called the Animated Workplace Environment – or A.W.E. – which is designed to adjust to different configurations depending on need. It features motion sensing tech and so will react to the movement of the users (for example it will retract automatically if you stand up to leave the room) and at the moment offers 6 or 7 different shape settings.

Check out the video for an example of what this crazy idea can do. At this rate it won’t be long before we have instantly configurable homes that change according to our mood. Oh right, we’ve already got that haven’t we, come back student digs all is forgiven.

 AWE is a user-programmable robotic work environment that dynamically shapes and supports the working life of architects, designers and their new and more traditional collaborators working with both new and old, digital and analog materials and tools. AWE is composed of eight hinged panels which change the spatial characteristics of the work environment, affording work and play activities such as collaborating, composing, presenting, viewing, lounging, and gaming.