futurewave designs furniture-like home robot that communicates through movement
By Futurewave
Furny by Brussels-based studio Futurewave explores how movement can function as the primary interface between humans and domestic robots. Presented during Milan Design Week 2026, the project takes the form of a home robot designed as a furniture-like object, examining how posture, gesture, and orientation can communicate intention and presence without relying on screens or voice interaction.
The project draws from research into expressive movement design for non-anthropomorphic robots, focusing on nonverbal communication as a fundamental aspect of human interaction. Rather than emphasizing technical performance alone, Furny investigates how movement behaviors such as tilting, positioning, and gaze direction can convey internal states and establish a sense of interaction between object and user.
the robot adopts a restrained furniture-like appearance | all images courtesy of Futurewave
Studio Futurewave deliberately avoided humanoid characteristics in the design process. Instead, Furny adopts a restrained furniture-like appearance intended to integrate into domestic interiors without dominating the environment visually. Its movable head element responds to surrounding activity through controlled shifts in posture and orientation, signaling intention through motion before performing actions.
The project combines industrial design, embedded electronics, and software-controlled movement systems within a manufacturable product framework. Motion is treated not as an additional feature but as the central design language of the object. Every gesture, tilt, and movement sequence is calibrated to communicate behavior through the physical form itself, transforming the robot’s surface and posture into its primary interface.
By focusing on movement as communication, Furny proposes an alternative approach to domestic robotics in which interaction is shaped through spatial behavior, physical presence, and subtle motion rather than screens, voice commands, or anthropomorphic imitation.
furny avoids humanoid characteristics in favor of abstraction
posture and orientation replace screens and voice commands
furny integrates quietly into contemporary interior spaces
subtle shifts in posture establish interaction with users
This article was originally published by Designboom.