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Robot choreography: An artistic-scientific connection
Computers Math. Applic. Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 1--4, 1996
Pergamon
Copyright©1996 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in Great Britain. All rights reserved 0898-1221/96 $15.00 + 0.00
S0898-1221 (96)00081-8
R o b o t Choreography: A n Artistic-Scientific Connection M. K. APOSTOLOS University of Southern California, School of Theatre and The Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems Los Angeles, CA 90089-0791, U.S.A. margo@iris,usc.edu M . L I T T M A N , S. L A N E , D. H A N D E L M A N A N D J. G E L F A N D Departments of Psychology and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Princeton University,Princeton,NJ 08544, U.S.A. Abstract--Robot Choreography has been developed to explore an aesthetic dimension of robotic movement. Robots and control techniques developed based on biological principles can assist in the transference of techniques developed for human choreography to programming aesthetic robot motion. The resultant form of choreographed robot movement integrated art and technology as a possible new art form with relevant research implications. Keywords--Robot, Choreography, Dance, SLIM, Digital signal processing, Creative expression, Neural nets.
1. I N T R O D U C T I O N The process of robot choreography appears at first to be similar to that of its human counterpart: a theme or idea is translated into a spatiotemporal event sequence (structure, postures, movements) and then melded with auditory and visual harmonies (lighting and live or recorded music). The intention is to excite the viewer's neural pathways representing reflex, conditioning, memory, and conscious awareness, to produce a new feeling or experience not otherwise communicable. In this sense, choreography, like other art forms, is projective: the observer's experience is unique and intensely creative, reflecting his or her ability to identify with the actions and attributes expressed in the dance [1].
2. C H O R E O G R A P H I C T E C H N I Q U E S Choreography, the art of making dances, involves intellectual, artistic, and movement processes. Individually, choreographers work differently, often employing a variety of creative techniques. The process of creating robot choreography is quite similar to the procedures used in developing human choreography. A dance often begins with a conceptualization of a theme or idea that is virtually outlined in a sketchbook. In working with musicians, the choreographer synchronizes movement phrases with musical phrases that are programmed for the robot. Working from large gesture to small actions, the robot becomes a vehicle for expression in spatial and temporal sequence [2]. This work has been supported through a grant from the James S. McDonnell Foundation to the H u m a n Information Processing group at Princeton University.
Typeset by .,4.A~-TEX
Pergamon
Copyright©1996 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in Great Britain. All rights reserved 0898-1221/96 $15.00 + 0.00
S0898-1221 (96)00081-8
R o b o t Choreography: A n Artistic-Scientific Connection M. K. APOSTOLOS University of Southern California, School of Theatre and The Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems Los Angeles, CA 90089-0791, U.S.A. margo@iris,usc.edu M . L I T T M A N , S. L A N E , D. H A N D E L M A N A N D J. G E L F A N D Departments of Psychology and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Princeton University,Princeton,NJ 08544, U.S.A. Abstract--Robot Choreography has been developed to explore an aesthetic dimension of robotic movement. Robots and control techniques developed based on biological principles can assist in the transference of techniques developed for human choreography to programming aesthetic robot motion. The resultant form of choreographed robot movement integrated art and technology as a possible new art form with relevant research implications. Keywords--Robot, Choreography, Dance, SLIM, Digital signal processing, Creative expression, Neural nets.
1. I N T R O D U C T I O N The process of robot choreography appears at first to be similar to that of its human counterpart: a theme or idea is translated into a spatiotemporal event sequence (structure, postures, movements) and then melded with auditory and visual harmonies (lighting and live or recorded music). The intention is to excite the viewer's neural pathways representing reflex, conditioning, memory, and conscious awareness, to produce a new feeling or experience not otherwise communicable. In this sense, choreography, like other art forms, is projective: the observer's experience is unique and intensely creative, reflecting his or her ability to identify with the actions and attributes expressed in the dance [1].
2. C H O R E O G R A P H I C T E C H N I Q U E S Choreography, the art of making dances, involves intellectual, artistic, and movement processes. Individually, choreographers work differently, often employing a variety of creative techniques. The process of creating robot choreography is quite similar to the procedures used in developing human choreography. A dance often begins with a conceptualization of a theme or idea that is virtually outlined in a sketchbook. In working with musicians, the choreographer synchronizes movement phrases with musical phrases that are programmed for the robot. Working from large gesture to small actions, the robot becomes a vehicle for expression in spatial and temporal sequence [2]. This work has been supported through a grant from the James S. McDonnell Foundation to the H u m a n Information Processing group at Princeton University.
Typeset by .,4.A~-TEX