how soon will we have smart furniture? robotic seats already exist in a number of forms: dean kamen’s incredible ibot robotic wheelchair (top) not only balances on two wheels and tackles stairs; it allows the wheelchair-bound to interact with standing adults at eye level (watch this video). makes this japanese effort look downright complex (middle). on an artistic note, danish artist jeppe hein installed sliding benches at the los angeles MOCA’s ecstasy exhibit – once visitors sit on them they glide across the exhibit. he also installs furniture that produces fog (bottom) and fire.