Theatre practice promotes development of more social robots Project: Dramaturgy for Devices

Theatre and dance creators are collaborating to develop more social robots. In the research project Dramaturgy for Devices, researchers and artists in the field of robotics and theatre are working together to develop the behaviour and communication skills of robots. Robots are an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives. They help provide medical care and support in education and in the workplace. They are increasingly capable of performing simple tasks and conveying messages, but they also lack many skills needed for interaction and communication. Dramaturgy for Devices shows how the performing arts can contribute to innovative design tools and methods, and demonstrate the value of the skills and knowledge of theatre practice for technological innovation.

This month sees the start of research by four young PhD students from the University of Twente, Utrecht University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and TU Delft. In an initial workshop with partner Innovation:Lab, they will explore the potential of soft robotics technology to enliven expressive forms and create interaction between humans and systems.