Veneered in Mappa burl, the Float table is a matrix of “magnetized” wooden cubes that levitate with respect to one another. The repelling cubes are held in equilibrium by a system of tensile steel cables. It’s classical physics applied to modern design. Each handcrafted table is precisely tuned to seem rigid and stable, yet a touch reveals the secret to Float’s dynamic character.

In addition to the the lighter Mappa burl veneer, the table is available in French walnut and curly walnut, and version in metal and other veneers have been made. A Float shelf (below) is also offered. Designed as a single plane of cubes, one row is affixed to the wall, the other row floats.

The Float table fits into a category of kinetic furniture - which includes La-Z-Boy chairs and motorized beds. The Float table was created by Jessica Banks – a roboticist, designer, and inventor – who founded RockPaperRobot in 2009 to specialize in the invention of kinetic furniture, lighting, and robotic installations.

With degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and robotics from MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Lab, Jessica’s multidisciplinary background has elevated her work to new heights. RockPaperRobot, located in Brooklyn, NY, is an engineering and design firm that sits at the intersection of decor, art, and technology.

Says Jessica Banks:

Increasing the versatility, utility, and personalization of residential and commercial spaces, our offerings are more experience than object. We relish in defying expectations through artful execution with a staunch allegiance to utility, (apparent) simplicity, and technical excellence. As designers and scientists, we have created a work environment for ourselves in which our lives and creative minds are fully realized as individuals and as a team.

Described as a creative hybrid, Jessica Banks invents products that transform how people think about the future of decor. Inspired by physics principles, Jessica's creations expand the functional and aesthetic versatility of homes and workplaces.

A trained roboticist, Jessica holds an Engineer's and a Master's degree from MIT, where she was in the Humanoid Robotics Group within the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab. She left graduate school just shy of her Ph.D. (in the 24th grade!) to teach about distributed power systems in MIT's Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept. Jessica also holds a B.S. in General Physics from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in creative writing- a combination which actually makes more sense on a quantum level.

Jessica's multi-disciplinary background has established her as a strategic and technical resource. This work includes projects such as campaign consultation for large ad agencies, development of global initiatives, viable products, and market strategies for international corporations, and design of robotic projects for Frank Gehry and Michel Gondry. She also used to be Al Franken's personal assistant.

Banks speaks at numerous conferences on topics ranging from science to manufacturing and her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets.