Theatre and dance creators are collaborating to develop more social robots. In the research project Dramaturgy for Devices, researchers and artists in the field of robotics and theatre are working together to develop the behaviour and communication skills of robots. Robots are an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives. They help provide medical care and support in education and in the workplace. They are increasingly capable of performing simple tasks and conveying messages, but they also lack many skills needed for interaction and communication. Dramaturgy for Devices shows how the performing arts can contribute to innovative design tools and methods, and demonstrate the value of the skills and knowledge of theatre practice for technological innovation.
This month sees the start of research by four young PhD students from the University of Twente, Utrecht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and TU Delft. In an initial workshop with partner Innovation:Lab, they will explore the potential of soft robotics technology to enliven expressive forms and create interaction between humans and systems.
Research-in-progress
Over the next four years, audiences can attend experiments from Dramaturgy for Devices research live. From 10 to 12 October, theatre company Ulrike Quade Company, in collaboration with tech-incubator Yes!Delft, will present their research-in-progress Spot x Kafka, a theatrical exploration of man and technology, of the power of the SPOT robot (Boston Dynamics) in a theatrical context.
Collaboration
The Dramaturgy for Devices project is a collaboration between Utrecht University, TU Delft, University of Twente, VU Amsterdam, Ulrike Quade Company, Anouk van Dijk, Bram Ellens, Innovation:Lab, ICKAmsterdam, Wintertuin, Creative Robotics, Interactive Robotics, Robot Theater Lab, Heemskerk Innovation Technology, Hotelschool The Hague, ID Lab/Lectoraat Theater AHK, Dalco Robotics and RoboHouse. Dramaturgy for Devices is made possible by the Dutch National Research Agenda programme Research along Routes by Consortia (NWA.1518.22.080).
