INTRO
The starting point of this interdisciplinary exploration project was the difference between human and robotic modes of learning and movement. A contemporary dance choreographer and two Epson C8XL production robots were brought together in a creative workshop. Their task was to develop and rehearse a robotic dance performance for the EPSON booth on the CeBIT 2017.
The starting point of this interdisciplinary exploration project was the difference between human and robotic modes of learning and movement. A contemporary dance choreographer and two Epson C8XL production robots were brought together in a creative workshop. Their task was to develop and rehearse a robotic dance performance for the EPSON booth on the CeBIT 2017.
Theoretically, a machine is capable of performing and endlessly repeating complex movement patterns without error. But does this ability make it a good dancer?
Theoretically, a machine is capable of performing and endlessly repeating complex movement patterns without error. But does this ability make it a good dancer?
Key challenges
Transfering the human dance performance choreography onto the robot arms
Transfering the human dance performance choreography onto the robot arms
Developing a portfolio of visual effects
Developing a portfolio of visual effects
Creating an immersive experience
Creating an immersive experience
THE OUTCOME
The performance is enhanced by a custom-made video projection that covers both, the robotic arms and the rear wall. Inspired by the iconic visual worlds of the different music genres, the motion graphics create a music video-like stage space.
The performance is enhanced by a custom-made video projection that covers both, the robotic arms and the rear wall. Inspired by the iconic visual worlds of the different music genres, the motion graphics create a music video-like stage space.
The result of the study was a 5-minute show in which the robotic arms present a choreography developing from simple, machine-typical movements to a sophisticated and playful dance, surfing through different genres like vogue, trap, disco and electro. The musical composition has been developed from scratch, mixing toe-tapping musical references with samples of the robot’s operational noises.
The result of the study was a 5-minute show in which the robotic arms present a choreography developing from simple, machine-typical movements to a sophisticated and playful dance, surfing through different genres like vogue, trap, disco and electro. The musical composition has been developed from scratch, mixing toe-tapping musical references with samples of the robot’s operational noises.
CREDITS
Commissioned by EPSON Europe B.V. for the CeBIT 2017
In Cooperation with Intermediate Engineering GmbH
Team URBANSCREEN
Concept: Till Botterweck
Choreography: Till Botterweck, Magali Sander Fett
Music & Sound Design: Thomas Werner
Art Direction Visuals: Alexander Trattler
Visuals on robot arms: Thorbjörn Geisler, Lukas Neumann
Robot Animation: Till Botterweck, Thorbjörn Geisler, Moritz Janis Richartz (Xenorama)
Production Manager / Concept Consultant: Janna Schmidt
Documentation
Camera and Edit: Moritz Janis Richartz (Xenorama)
Team Intermediate Engineering GmbH
Project Management & Technical Director: Tobias Wursthorn
Robot Control Development: Benjamin Wunderlich
Showcontrol, Media Server Development: Lukas Seiler, Nicholas Braren
3DS Max Scripting, Rigging Robots & Projector Stage Setup: Sebastian Jakob, Tobias Wursthorn
Robot, Projector & Media Server Operator: Frank Wagner
Commissioned by EPSON Europe B.V. for the CeBIT 2017
In Cooperation with Intermediate Engineering GmbH
Team URBANSCREEN
Concept: Till Botterweck
Choreography: Till Botterweck, Magali Sander Fett
Music & Sound Design: Thomas Werner
Art Direction Visuals: Alexander Trattler
Visuals on robot arms: Thorbjörn Geisler, Lukas Neumann
Robot Animation: Till Botterweck, Thorbjörn Geisler, Moritz Janis Richartz (Xenorama)
Production Manager / Concept Consultant: Janna Schmidt
Documentation
Camera and Edit: Moritz Janis Richartz (Xenorama)
Team Intermediate Engineering GmbH
Project Management & Technical Director: Tobias Wursthorn
Robot Control Development: Benjamin Wunderlich
Showcontrol, Media Server Development: Lukas Seiler, Nicholas Braren
3DS Max Scripting, Rigging Robots & Projector Stage Setup: Sebastian Jakob, Tobias Wursthorn
Robot, Projector & Media Server Operator: Frank Wagner