In the world of art, experimentation and innovation have always been constants. Recently, collaborative robots, known as cobots, have begun to play a surprising role in the artistic scene, especially in the musical field. These advances have allowed creators to explore new forms of expression, combining the precision of robotics with the emotiveness of performing arts.
One of the first examples of this synergy took place at the National Theatre of Catalonia, where the renowned choreographer Sol Picó starred in a unique performance alongside a UR10e cobot. During her interpretation of “Un año de amor” by Luz Casal, the interaction between the dancer and the robot not only dazzled the audience but also opened new possibilities for integrating robotics into contemporary dance. According to Picó herself, she had never before experienced such an intense connection with a machine in an artistic setting.
Later, at the opening of the Liceu season, cobots once again took center stage in a futuristic production of the opera Turandot. On this occasion, under the stage direction of Franc Aleu, the robots were part of the scenographic design, demonstrating their ability to harmoniously integrate into an operatic production. The combination of robotic precision with the talent of the performers resulted in an innovative staging that reaffirmed the potential of automation in art.
However, one of the most ambitious and original projects in this fusion of art and robotics took place at the Granollers Auditorium Theatre with the Robot Orchestra. Driven by the Chamber Orchestra of Granollers, directed by Corrado Bolsi, this project sought to connect music with ceramics through collaborative robotics. During the performance of Haydn’s Symphony No. 59 (The Fire Symphony), two robotic arms created clay forms in real time, synchronized with the music. This innovative proposal combined the craftsmanship of ceramist Toni Cumella with advanced programming developed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, using tools such as ROS, MAX-MSP, and GH3D to achieve an interactive response to the orchestra’s sounds.
The success of these projects demonstrates that cobots can not only be tools for industrial automation but also play a fundamental role in the evolution of performing arts. Thanks to their ability to interact precisely and fluidly with humans, they have become a source of inspiration for artists from various disciplines, allowing the creation of innovative shows that challenge the traditional boundaries of art and technology.
