1.6.1. Conceptual Topics¶

There are a number of topics which we encounter in our discussions throughout the semester:

1. defining the idea of “surprisingly animate”
2. defining the idea of “manipulation”
3. understanding behavior as a medium
4. our perceptions of embodied computation
5. simulacrum versus agency
6. non-anthropomorphic characters
7. body empathy
8. extension of human intent and ability
9. diffusion of responsibility or authorship
10. the use of rhythm and ictus in machine choreography

1.6.2. Technical Topics¶

As a first step toward understanding surprisingly animate physical systems, we explore a number of practical techniques for creating physical behavior combining physical dynamics and computation. One main theme is developing dynamic physical processes as a basis for expressive movement and interactivity.

An embodied system becomes richer as reaction develops into interaction. How can an embodied process be articulated to a depth where behavior becomes a medium for storytelling? This theme focuses on finding ways for a machine to inhabit its context and realize a narrative through its interactive behavior.

Topics include:

1. pneumatic actuation
2. mixed Max and microcontroller programming
3. G-code programming
4. elementary Python
5. mechanical structures
6. state machines and sequencers
7. real-time programming
8. closed-loop control
9. mechanical behavior
10. elementary computer vision
11. animation trajectories
12. algorithmic thinking
13. human interaction
14. machine learning
15. planning