Robotics and art have quite the influence on each other. While it may be difficult to envision how art has influenced robotics, this week's lecture has shed light on how it has.
While the influence of robotics on art is clear, it is not always met with optimism and positivity. In "The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction," by Douglas Davis, he highlights what some consider to be the negative outcomes of digital advancements influencing art. Digital technology has begun to blur the lines between reproduction and original. As discussed in his piece, Davis analyzes how digital resources have made it possible for photographs and artwork to be reworked and made completely different from the original. As with the image below, technology was capable of changing the image far beyond the original. While the alterations made by digital technology may not always be as drastic as the one below, it is important to see the possibilities with digital technology.
I had never before considered how art may have an influence over robotics and technology. However, this week's resources helped me understand this possibility. The San Francisco Robotics Society of America's website showcased the 2005 World Exposition in Japan based around The Robot Project. The website discusses how Japanese people's interest in robots greatly increased due to the way they are shown in animation. This is an example of how art has influenced technology.
Electric Circus, the collaboration between Fred Abels and Mirjam Langemeijer, is the perfect example of the influence art and robotics have on each other. These two combined puppets and electronics to create a one of a kind experience for their audience. By marrying art and technology, they were able to create animated characters that came to life with the help of robotics. Below is an example of one of their creations, Mono the Monkey. This character exists through the combination of the art of his appearance and the technology, as well as robotics, behind his movements.
Mono the Monkey (Electric Circus)
Robotics and art are two areas that many may not consider to have any overlap. However, this week's topic proved otherwise.
Young, Meghan. "Human-Cat Hybrids : Human-cat Hybrids." TrendHunter.com. TREND HUNTER Inc., 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
San Francisco Robotics Society of America (SFRSA). N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
Davis, Douglas. "The Work of Art in the Age of Post-Mechanical Reproduction." Leonardo 28 (1995): 381-86. Web.
Electric Circus Dresseur Der Automaten. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
Mono the Monkey, Electic Circus. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
I really enjoyed your example of the electric circus in exemplifying robotics/ technology and art together. I believe that it really showed how creativity is an important aspect of both of these fields which may not essentially believe that they have any overlap. I also liked your paragraph on digital reproduction because it is a subtle combination of the two subjects that often converge but their convergence is often overlooked!
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