How Do The Oracles Work?
Oracles are specially programmed to talk with you — engage in conversation, on a wide variety of topics. They can talk about anything, but since artist/creator Dorne Pentes is chill, they are generally programmed to talk about mindfulness, space, art, the universe, time, dreams, and love.
The Oracles operate on a Large Language Model programmed by Pentes Studios. Users approach the Oracles’ kiosk, touch the tablet, and begin the conversation. The tablet is connected to WiFi/internet and also to a hidden speaker. When the Oracles converse, their voices are heard through the speaker; sound activated LED lights flash along with the voice. Users can also read their conversation as it unfolds on the tablet.
The Oracles can be designed to speak on topics specific to your event, and refer to specific texts such as poems, short essays, etc. Currently their knowledge base is composed of ancient texts and poetry including works by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and more. The works in the knowledge base are from the Public Domain and edited by the Artist. This means they talk with guests about the things we care about: time, space, our place in the universe, dreams, art, music, poetry. We work with you in advance of your event to tailor the Oracles to subjects that are paramount to your guests, or that you want to impart. Additionally, the Oracles at heart are engaging, friendly, wise, loving, and even funny.
We are currently working on an iteration of the Oracles that works without a tablet interface and hope to have it operable by August.
Safety and Technical
The Oracles do NOT collect personal information. They have strict guidelines for interaction and protocols for dealing with anger, threatened self-harm, violence, etc.
The Oracles are made of 70D waterproof, ripstop nylon. Water simply flows off them. The fans that keep the Oracles inflated are IP67 rated. The interior lights are water resistant. The electrical cords are all outdoor rated and connected to outdoor rated safety power strips.
The kiosk is wheelchair accessible and the tablet holder is water resistant.
Athena, Apollo, and Apollo Jr are secured to the ground by 1500-2500 lbs of sandbag weight and also tied to solid surfaces such as trees.
Love on High (the hearts) can be hung from tree limbs or via guide lines between trees using Lopovex climbing rope with a 9000 lb breaking limit. The Hearts weigh approximately five pounds. A second safety line, also with a 9000 lb breaking limit, is added for protection. Wind is always a concern, not water. We have strict protocols for windspeed changes and onsite personnel will deflate and dismantle the Oracles if wind speeds exceed 25 mph.