Hiroo Iwata, of the University of Tsukuba, created these robotic floor tiles that automatically arrange themselves to build a floor beneath you. By utilizing a touch sensitive surface, the tiles are able to predict which direction a user is headed. This information is then used to automatically rearrange the tiles so that the lucky user can continue to walk in that direction without moving forward in real space.

He intends for these to be used in virtual world simulations, however I think a more practical use would be to modify the distance between different destinations in your house. For example, a set of these in the hallway leading toward the kitchen might make one rethink how hungry they really are.

I absolutely love the concept, though. Can I get a set made up to look like turtles? [via technabob]