Week 3: Robotics & Art

This week's lectures are all about the convergence of art and robotics.  To me, these two seemingly polarizing ideas come together to form the famous Will Smith movie, iRobot.  Although it received mixed reviews from both movie critics and the press, almost everyone could agree on the fact that this action movie also makes you think.  This movie follows the life of Will Smith and his dealings with these creatures of artificial intelligence and it provokes thoughts about things like robotics, humanity, morality, and consciousness.


Walter Benjamin also played a key role in the use of robotics in films.  In the 1930s, he wrote about how films should try and "gain control over technology and its effects" while also creating a sensational experience that goes far beyond an other form of media or consumption.  In modern films, directors do just this, trying to affect as many of the viewers' senses as possible, in order to create the ideal viewing experience.

Today, many modern artists are using technology and robots in their art pieces.  For example, Bot & Dolly utilized a robotic arm and different computer software to create a new viral artwork entitled "Box."  This work is a great example of how robotics can literally be used in modern art.

In my research of art and robotics, I stumbled upon an interesting hobby of some of my peers, who at the University of Northern Iowa are using the art of sumo wrestling and their knowledge of robotics to host large robotic sumo wrestling tournaments.  Who knew that these two things even belong in the same sentence?!  It's interesting to think that such an unorthodox sport is teaching and shaping the minds of those who will take over the advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries.

Modern robotics is all over the place, no matter where you look.  Take the automotive industry, for example, most companies use robots and robotic arms in the production lines, and recent commercials have even included things like production robots dancing together.  Robots are becoming more and more prevalent in our modern culture, and art is no exception.

Works Cited:

"IRobot." Rotten Tomatoes.  N.p., n.d. Web.  18 Apr. 2015.

"Walter Benjamin on Film and the Senses." NextNature.net. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015

"Robotics and Art Combine in Latest Viral Video 'Box'" Singularity HUB. N.p., 01 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.

"The Art of Robotics."  University of Northern Iowa.  N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.

"About ART." ArtRobotics.com.  N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.