Human & Machine

Creator: RISE|Art form: Performing arts|Knowledge valorisation : Co-creation|Place: Gothenburg,Sweden|Location : Offline|Target group: General public|Domains: Digital Age|Duration : One-time event
Image credit: Interactive Institute of Swedish ICT
Image credit: Interactive Institute of Swedish ICT

Experimental theatre where actor and robot share the stage equally

Challenge: How can humans and machines communicate in a future robotic society?

Human and Machine is a psycho-technological theater experiment at the crossroads between man and machine, where the aim is to explore the encounter between man and machine in a context where they are fully engaged on stage, acting, in real time. The project is an exploration of the interaction between man and machine on a theatrical, technological and narrative plane.

“A scene from Human & Machine.” Image credit: Interactive Institute of Swedish ICT
“A scene from Human & Machine.” Image credit: Interactive Institute of Swedish ICT

Using open source, technologies in visualization, neurofeedback and robot real-time control, the project intends to build a theatrical performance in which an actor through thoughts and actions controls a robot on stage, while interacting with it. The idea is to investigate and explore the human and machine relationship in a contemporary society through theatrical exploration.

Resources needed

Theatre with actors, director or choreographer, industrial robot.

Purpose of artistic intervention

By exploring human and machine relations in a theatre context, artistic sensibilities can come into play and bring a different, more humanistic, way of looking at the issue than a more functional interaction design oriented perspective.

Positive impacts

By using a robot, OBO, that responds to human biometric signals, the project fosters emotional engagement and encourages a deeper understanding of how machines can interpret human behavior. It challenges traditional storytelling by introducing interactive elements and audience participation, while also expanding the boundaries of narrative and agency. The integration of brainwave technology invites new insights into subconscious communication, and the iterative development process brings a refreshing approach to both art and innovation. Ultimately, Human & Machine sparked philosophical reflections on humanity, identity, and the role of AI in our lives.