Auction Machine

A performative auction system where proximity triggers dynamic bidding—merging physical presence with virtual economies.

Auction Machine is an interactive art piece that uses RFID technology to conduct real-time auctions. Participants equipped with RFID tags are recognized by the auction software as they enter the radio range of a base station, automatically initiating the auction process. A screen displays the names of active participants and the featured artwork, visible to all.

The pricing mechanism is dynamic: the price rises slowly with fewer bidders and accelerates as more participants join. Bidders remain in the auction as long as they accept the current price and can opt out by turning off their RFID tags. The last participant remaining becomes the automatic buyer at the final price.

The sale is logged in the OPENSTUDIO online art economy, appearing as a regular transaction—bridging virtual infrastructure with embodied interaction. This hybrid system creates new scenographies and spatial continuities that reshape how we engage with art and value in shared environments.

Auction Machine can be deployed on any internet-connected computer, creating a flexible auction environment. It was first tested with about 20 participants during MIT Media Lab’s Sponsor Week in Fall 2005.