robots - augmented robot dance performance

ROBOTS

ROBOTS

ROBOTS

01
FIELD OF WORK
Light Design
Light Design
Projection Mapping
Projection Mapping
Design Research
Projection Mapping
Projection Mapping
DELIVERABLES

Interactive audio-visual Installation

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. 

Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018


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

Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018

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.

Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
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.

Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
Robots at CeBit 2018
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