Eduardo Kac describes the introduction of robotic art and how it has progressed over the years. There are three key projects that can be described as the the first few robotic artworks. These three pieces were simple yet provoked viewers to interact and contemplate the relationship between the subject and the mechanical aspects. The interaction between art and robotics initially caused some fear as people thought that robots were created to decrease people’s work. But these robots progressed into expressing reactions from triggers in their surroundings.
“As artists continue to push the very limits of art, they have introduced robotics as a new medium while challenging our understanding of robots- questioning therefore our premises in conceiving, building, and employing these electronic creatures.” This exemplifies how art is made and progresses from genre to genre. Going beyond the boundaries of one’s comfort zone creates new works of art that can be revolutionary. New mediums pave way for artists to develop new styles and provoke ideas through performance or interaction. The artistic freedom allows us to explore a myriad of ways to further robotic art and incorporate it in new ways.
Valentino Braitenberg introduces three vehicles that are equipped with varying sensors and motors. Each vehicle gets more advanced and performs according to different specifications. Even though the sensors are programmed for basic functions, combining them creates a more complex system that can control the vehicle as if it contained knowledge. The basic function of the sensor is to move the motor faster according to the quality the sensor is tuned to. The sensors can be set to react to different things. By utilizing multiple sensors and motors, the combinations can alter the vehicles movements drastically.
“It also looks as if it knows about the possibility of making energy out of oxygen and organic matter because it prefers places where these two commodities are available.” It is interesting how through using different sensors and setting them to different variables that there can be such an interesting way for the vehicle to react and move. Braitenberg explains how it seems like there was a transfer of information between the environment and the the vehicle when there really isn’t. Just by adjusting the sensors, motors, and connections, the way the vehicle reacts mimics the exchange of information.