Naomi Ehrich Leonard (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Princeton) and Susan Marshall (Program in Dance), with Caroline Hana (Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton), María Santos (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering), Sarah Witzman (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering), Isla Xi Han (School of Architecture at Princeton), and Kathryn Wantlin (Department of Computer Science at Princeton), present Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art. Rhythm Bots is an actively controlled kinetic sculpture of synchronously moving robots that provides a site for choreography in the patterns of the rhythm bots and in the ways that the rhythm bots interact with people who approach or walk through the installation space. The work explores how the synchronous movement of rhythm bots supports rhythmic connection to members of an audience, how emergent communication through bodily movement can inform the response of rhythm bots to audience members, and ultimately how the experience of Rhythm Bots makes people feel and makes possible an active and meditative public space of connection.
Photo Gallery
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art are on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
Rhythm Bots, a work at the intersection of multi-robot dynamics, human-robot interaction and art are on view in the Lewis Arts complex Forum on May 12. Photo by Jon Sweeney
The Rhythm Bots installation allows audience members to move around or sit with 4 to 8 slender “robots”, which move (on their own) gently and synchronously in rhythmic patterns meant to make audience members feel good. The creators use cameras and image tracking of audience members (but don’t save recordings) that allow the choreography of the bots to be responsive to the proximity, density, and movement of people around them. The creative team will be trying out new smoothly evolving dynamics and new algorithms for the responsive behavior at this event.
Naomi Ehrich Leonard studies and designs the “logic” behind collective motion and decision-making dynamics of groups in nature, robotics, and dance. Susan Marshall uses recursive syntax and details of touch, intention, gravity, and gaze to probe the complexities of human behavioral systems and interpersonal relationships. Naomi and Susan first collaborated in 2010 on the site-specific performance piece Flock Logic, which explores what happens when human movers apply the rules used in models of flocking birds and schooling fish. More recently, Naomi collaborated with Susan on her performance installation Rhythm Bath, which offers an inviting space connecting audiences and performers through synchronized and rhythmic human movement. This collaboration led to questions about the possibilities for rhythmic connection between humans and robots.
Co-sponsored by Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science and CreativeX, a trans-disciplinary group investigating at the intersections of engineering and the arts.
Tickets & Details
The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or registration required.
Directions
Get directions to the Forum level of the Lewis Arts complex.
Accessibility
The Forum is wheelchair accessible. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations. Guests in need of access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.
