Alexandre Veillon Turns Vintage Table Into Robotic Dog With Articulated Arms
Robotics has become so popular that it is now being widely embraced in the design industry. Japan-based robotics company Jizai created the walking Mi-Mo robot, which doubles as a table lamp in 2025. Another example comes from French designer Alexandre Veillon, who has disguised antique furniture pieces as robot dogs. Under the project named “Let the Dog Out”, he combined the delicacy of the 19th century with the mechanical brutality of the modern era.
After realizing there is no need for a multitude of new objects, the designer came up with the idea of starting with something that already exists. This is why he selected a vintage 1840s coffee table as the starting point, and then added mechanical elements to give it a robotic dog-like appearance.
The wooden tabletop features an irregular silhouette with a dark brown finish and small metal studs on the top surface, showcasing the design language of the 19th century furniture. Four articulated computer arms are attached to the top with polished metal joints for adding a mechanical touch to the design. Another cool element is the hanging chains, which serve as the artist’s aim to mimic a dog’s collar.
The mechanical limbs made from articulated arms are the core design element that adds a whole new statement to the robotic dog table. If you think these elements are only for display, you are wrong. These legs can be folded in different ways to tilt the top accordingly.
They might not serve a purpose, but surely let you pose the robot dog as you wish. It literally becomes a “hybrid creature”, as described by the designer. He plans to create more of such hybrid furniture pieces in the future.
Repurposing antique furniture is one thing, but doing something like this is truly unique. You are giving new life to existing furniture without ruining its look, while also welcoming robotics into your home or office.
Via: designboom
