In this workshop, we intend to discuss the relationship between art and robotics. Can a robot represent art? If possible, how can this be done?Recently, the use of humanoid robots in the entertainment field has become quite sophisticated. However, because these performances are just replays of pre-designed motion, audiences soon become bored with them. Therefore, it is important to develop a robot that makes a lasting impression on people.
Under this awareness of issue, we held a workshop "Art and Robots" at IROS2007. Several studies on this topic were presented, as well as activities by researchers and artists, and we had a very fruitful discussion about the relationship between art and robotics. However, some issues remained that we needed to discuss further.
One important issue warranting further discussion was how we can represent the "internal" workings of a robot. In order for a person to find an artistic quality in a robot, it is necessary for the person to feel that a robot has human emotions such as desire, happiness, and sadness, and that these emotions are can be expressed through physical performances and art works by a robot. In this workshop, we would like to discuss how this expression can be achieved by a robot.