Course Summary for 16-375/54-375 Robotics for Creative Practice¶
Description¶
Robots come in all shapes and sizes: it is the integration of software and hardware that can make any machine surprisingly animate. This project-oriented course brings art and engineering together to build performance systems using embodied behavior as a creative medium. Students learn skills for designing, constructing and programming automated systems for storytelling and human interaction, then explore the results through exhibition and performance. Technical topics include programmed motion control, pneumatic machine design, closed-loop feedback systems, machine choreography, and human-robot interaction. Discussion topics include contemporary kinetic sculpture and animatronics. This interdisciplinary course is part of IDeATe Physical Computing but is open to any student.
Course Profile¶
Key Topics¶
kinetic machine performance choreography and programming, articulated structure design, pneumatic and electric actuation, closed-loop feedback control, interdisciplinary collaboration
Prerequisite Knowledge¶
Junior-level technical skills within a student’s own discipline. Experience recommended with any one of Python, Max, Arduino C++, parametric 3D CAD, or mechanical design.
Course Relevance¶
The use of behavior as a creative medium is a foundational question either for artists making kinetic performance machines or engineers building human-centric machines. The idea of performance behavior is addressed within both physical hardware and software; the integration of passive physical behavior and programmed computed behavior is central both to advanced robotics research and kinetic sculpture.
Course Goals¶
Upon completion of this course the students will be able to:
- construct pneumatically-actuated articulated structures using a kit of mechanical and structural components
- formulate a narrative goal as an interaction of a machine and material or objects
- apply basic closed-loop control techniques to implement, calibrate, and tune joint-level position control
- program a combined Max, Python, and microcontroller system to produce custom parameterized movement primitives
- program using basic state machines, feedback control, planning, and learning algorithms to create the illusion of life and agency
- collaborate with teams of artists, designers, engineers, and computer scientists to create performance technology
- use machine behavior as an artistic medium
Assessment Structure¶
hands-on project demonstrations, project reports, in-class discussion
Learning Resources¶
course web site with exercises, reference designs, and resource material at https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/16-375
Extra Time Commitments¶
Students will be required to participate in a final evening show, including setup, performance, and cleanup.
Course Tags¶
IDeATe, interdisciplinary, lab component, team project, performance, project-oriented