ISOLABS ::vtol:: AMSSUR

::vtol:: AMSSUR is a set of technological and presentation systems that collect data connected to the dynamics of the Soča River and makes it accessible to the wider public through sonic as well as visual elements. It is part of the S3 (Shamans, Sorceres and and Scientists) Isolabs Situation series.

At the core of the project is a compact sensor and data-gathering device called ::vtol:: AMS-1 (Autonomous Moving Stone)—a custom-built object designed to mimic a large stone moving along the riverbed. This stone-like device is embedded with electronic sensors, cameras, microphones, a microcomputer, and a power system. Once submerged, the AMS-1 fills with water and begins its journey across the riverbed, recording data along the way. When its programmed route is complete, it resurfaces using a built-in recovery mechanism.

After retrieval, the AMS-1 is transferred to the exhibition space, where its collected data is activated and displayed by SUR-1 (Special Unit of Representation)—a compact station equipped with a control panel, display, and systems for presenting, analyzing, and transforming telemetry data.

The project will continue throughout 2025, 2026 and beyond, expanding its data collection across different sections of the Soča/Isonzo River system. 

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The project is supported by Soške Elektrarne Nova Gorica

Production: Projekt Atol Institute and the ISOLABS - GO! 2025 program

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Sorcerer, Scientist and Shaman:

Dmitry Morozov aka ::vtol:: (b.1986) is a transdisciplinary artist and researcher. He focuses on contemporary media arts including sound, robotics and installation, placing special emphasis on the link between emergent systems and new kinds of technological synthesis. Currently based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

His works have been exhibited at museums and galleries worldwide, including the Laznia Center for Contemporary Arts (Gdansk), ZKM Zentrum (Karlsruhe), National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (Taichung), Kapelica gallery (Ljubljana), ArtScience Museum (Singapore), HEK (Basel), Laboratoria Art&Science Space (Moscow) etc., and in festivals such as SIGGRAPH 2016 (Anaheim), Mirage (Lyon), Ars Electronica (Linz), Future Everything (Manchester) and CTM (Berlin).

He is the award winner of the Sergei Kuryokhin Prize (Russia, 2013 and 2020), Innovation (Russia, 2020), Prix Cube (France, 2014) and also received honorary mentions at VIDA 16.0 (Spain, 2014) and Prix Ars Electronica (Austria, 2015, 2017).

::vtol:: also works with a lot of younger artists as the main engineering technologist for their creations. He has been collaborating with Projekt Atol and Kapelica gallery and Kersnikova since 2017.

::vtol:: will continue with the development of evolved version of the AMSSUR systems as part of ISOLABS and other settings throughout 2025, 2026 and further.