Robotics + Art

When I first saw the topic I couldn't make connection between the two subjects. But after Professor Vesna's lecture, I found it much easier to link industrialization with robots and arts. And there is a particular word to perfectly combine the two concepts: Robotic art, which is any artwork that employs some form of robotic or automated technology. Robotic art can be traced way back to ancient China- the Han Dynasty, such as mechanical orchestra, and other devices such as mechanical toys. And in the western world. An early innovator in the Western world was Hero of Alexandria (c. 10–70 AD), who wrote "On Automatic Theaters, On Pneumatics, and on Mechanics", and is said to have built fully automated theatrical set-pieces illustrating the labors of Hercules among other wonders.



One example I really admire in the presentation of Machico Kasuhara is the Japanese robots. Unlike the ones in America, which primarily focus on industrial benefits, such as more labor forces in the assembly lines, Japanese concentrate more on humane side of robots by creating them to rescue people in natural disasters, or helping elder people, even accomplish tasks that are too dangerous for real humans to do. And the robots look very much like human beings. Such invention not only expedite production but it also eased inhumane challenges.



Modernization is another big factor in the process of industrialization. Technologies are applied along with mathematical and scientific progress. The machines and technical advices, such as cell phones, computers, photoshop, vehicles, are all robotic arts. They make our lives more brilliant and convenient. Newer and more advanced technologies provide us new versions of plenty of necessities in our lives. For example, automobiles. In the late 1885, the first steam-powered vehicle was designed by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot and it could attain speeds of up to 6 km/hour. From ancient perspective, it was a great success in autofield. the first steam-powered vehicle was desinged by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot. However, from current view, the features and quality were incomparable to automobiles nowadays. Let's take a look at the comparison:


Which one do you prefer?







Sources:

1. Wikipedia. "Robotic art." Robotic art at Robogames 2008, San Francisco. 2008. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotic_art>.

2. "File:RoboArt at Robogames, SF.jpg." (2008): n. page. Web. 17 Oct. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RoboArt_at_Robogames,_SF.jpg>.

3. Kusahara, Machiko. "Professor Machiko Kusahara on japanese robotics." University of California Online. Los Angeles. 17 Oct 2013. Speech.

4. Katz, Leslie. "Japan's latest supermodel--a robot." CNET. (2009): n. page. Web. 17 Oct. 2013. <http://news.cnet.com/japans-latest-supermodel-a-robot/>.

5. Lingeman , Jake. Tesla Model S outsells luxury competition. 2013. Photograph. Autoweek, Los Angeles. Web. 17 Oct 2013. <http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130513/carnews/130519937>.