the confessor (2007)
design of a robotic character, development of puppeteering software, and live performance for a first-of-a-kind human-robot theater play including two human and one robot performer.
AUR, the robotic desk lamp, enacted the title role in Rony Kubat's short play "The Confessor", premiering on May 9, 2007 with additional shows on May 10, and 11. the play starred Jonas Kubilius and Laurel Ruhlen, and was directed by Kate Snodgrass.
This production was a unique human-robot performance, in which human actors play live alongside an expressive articulated robot on stage, and in which the robot served as a character and not merely a prop.
The robot was controlled through a novel actor point-of-view hybrid control system structured around scenes, beats, and actions, inspired by such acting teachers as Sonia Moore and Sanford Meisner.
The custom software enabled the robot to react in time and, through the use of an embedded camera, to make eye-contact with the actors during rehearsal and performance. This is a previously unachieved goal of on-stage robotic performance.
In addition, the software was designed to be able to gradually become more autonomous, as each module is independent and can be easily envisioned to work autonomously with currently available artificial intelligence. This system thus intended to be the first step in an ongoing effort towards a fully autonomous robotic actor.
also: highlight clip system description; acting lessons for artificlal intelligence, abstract written for the 50th anniversary summit of artificial intelligence.