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Sci-Art: Bio-Robotic Choreography Project

Website deposited by Barry Smith, University of Bristol, 2006 and implemented into AHDS content delivery system.

Friday 23rd March 2001 - The Official Project Launch

The Waverley Gallery, The Nottingham Trent University.

Speakers include: Prof. Barry Smith (DRU), Stelarc (DRU), Dr. Inman Harvey (COGS), Dr Ken Arnold (The Wellcome Trust), Prof. Richard Joyner (Dean of Research, NTU).

Professor Barry Smith of the Performance Arts Digital Research Unit at The Nottingham Trent University School of Art & Design begins the launch by introducing the core individuals and organisations contributing to the Bio-Robotic Choreography project. Having explained the dynamics of the various groups involved in the collaborative project, he introduces world-renowned performance artist Stelarc who has been experiementing with alternate interfaces that extend the bodies capabilities for 30 years.

With the aid of an interactive digital presentation much like the presentation available on this site, Stelarc begins by illustrating his previous performances that have incorporated robotic devices. Performances such as 'Extended Arm' and 'Exoskelton'. He goes on to explain how his performative concepts will be developed as a result of this 'Sci-Art' collaboration.

Doctor Inman Harvey of the School of Cognitive and Computing Sciences at the University of Sussex is also a unique addition to this project who brings an expertise in artificial life where biology meets technology and artificial intelligence. He introduces key engineering principles and concepts based upon an analysis of insect bioengineering.

Doctor Ken Arnold spoke of The Wellcome Trusts support for projects that combine scientific and artistic practices.
	Dean of Research at The Nottingham Trent University, Professor Richard Joyner, concluded the presentation by praising the efforts of the various bodies involved.

Thursday 10th May 2001 - Dancing Robots: Compliance and Dynamics in Man and Machine - Biology Lecture Theatre, University of Sussex.

Speakers include: Prof. Barry Smith (DRU), Kirstie Mackenzie (NOW festival), Dr. Sophia Lycouris (Kunstwerk-Blend), Stelarc (DRU), Dr. Inman Harvey (COGS).

Professor Barry Smith introduces the various individuals in the project to students at the University of Sussex and goes on to explain how the collaborative project came about.

Dr Sophia Lycouris begins by explaining the nature of her interdisciplinary choreographic work. Rather than the traditional approach of using human bodies as the focus of choreography, Sophia explores choreographic techniques, principles and methods which incorporate new spacial and audio-visual elements. Similar to the Bauhaus where the costumes determined the movement, the choreographic process is largely determined by the restrictions and potential of the robot.

After drawing upon his previous performances that have been involved with the notion of either attaching technology to the body, implanting technology within the body, and telematically scaling up the body, Stelarc goes on to comment that what is seductive about the new design is that it will be a much more compliant, flexible and maneuverable structure which will have a unique control system that is more dependent upon the architecture of the engineering than an electronic interface.

Rather than the jerkiness of movement produced by Stelarc's previous 'Exoskeleton', Dr Inman Harvey illustrates how the pentagraph mechanism of the 6 legged robot will naturally sway with Stelarc's shifting weight and vice versa. He goes on to stipulate that it will have 3 or 4 modes of action: squat and lift; walk away; swivel; turn on the spot.

Dr Inman Harvey and Stelarc demonstrate the workings of the robot with the first of six legs. Measuring 2 metres from knee to foot, the robot will be 5 metres wide and weigh upto 250kgs.