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Eduardo Kac "The Origin and Development of Robotic Art" 2001

This article shows how robots have been an ever increasing medium for artist to employ for over half a century now, since first introduced in the 1960's. As technological advancements are made, so is the ability to create new forms of expression. For example, robots such as "Petit Mal" created by Simon Penny in 1996, would not exist without the technology necessary to function. Technology such as ultrasonic sensors, body-heat sensors, processors, and pendulums are integral to the end result. Without advancements in technology, these robots would not be here today. Eduardo Kac makes it clear that sensors play a major role in the operation of robots to receive information from the environment it is in and process this information to use it. Whether it be light sensors to keep a robot constantly seeking light, or sound sensors used to recognize human speech, sensors are integral to the robotic function.

The article also brings to light the advancement of robotic art and the interactivity between robots, or technology and humans. Abilities to interact with robots in ways that perform useful functions may also be achieved. For example in 1993 the Austrian group "X-Space" and their robot installation "Winke Winke" offers a function as well as interaction from a user. The robot is given a message that is translated into signs by the robot which then moves flags in a certain way that a video camera on another rooftop may then record and process the flag movements to convert them back to words. I found this project particularly interesting because it shows the ability for useful interactions between the relationship humans have with robotic technology.

Gustav Metzger "Auto Destructive Art Manifesto" 1961

This article demonstrates the ability of art to be able to destroy itself yet create something completely new in the process. The disintegrative process is actually not only a form of decay but of rebirth. Through the use of acid, electricity, radiation, natural forces, or many other substances, viewers can witness the reality of material form, and the inherent nature of decomposition. Utilizing advancements in science and technology, auto-destructive art becomes possible, and more easily controlled, depending on the materials of course.

One part I find particularly interesting about the article is that auto-destructive art destroys itself before it gets to be twenty years old, and the relationship between disintegration and machinery. This means it is only temporarily observable and most likely changing form over time, unlike traditional forms of art that remain the same as time progresses. Another interesting fact is the artists interaction with the piece may vary, depending on the materials used. For instance, a strong acid on a delicate material will not last very long and the artist may have limited control over what happens, as opposed to different materials which may have less prominent effects. The ability to transform technology into art is wonderful as auto-destructive art proves.