In an exciting blend of robotics and traditional furniture design, a Dutch engineer has developed a smart coffee table named Carpentopod that can walk across the room on command. This innovative table, featuring 12 legs driven by two motors, utilizes an AI-optimized leg mechanism engineered for smooth and stable movement .

The creator, Giliam de Carpentier, used a custom software simulation to "evolve" the perfect leg design. Thousands of virtual leg variants competed, with the most efficient designs—scoring high on walking speed, minimal ground clearance, and material use—passing on their "genes." The final design is precision-cut from laminated bamboo and controlled wirelessly via a remote, showcasing a remarkable fusion of AI design, woodworking, and modern technology .

This project highlights how makers are increasingly combining AI with traditional craftsmanship to create dynamic, interactive furniture, capturing the imagination of over a million viewers online and pointing to a future where our furnishings are more adaptive and responsive .