Unit 3: Robotics & Art

"Combining art and robotics is nothing new", yet it has pushed and will continue to push the potential for technological innovation in our modern world (Lim). The most early form of robotics and art started with the creation of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg (Vesna). Many major advances were made during the Industrial Revolution. In the 1940's, America witnessed Henry Ford's creation of the assembly line system to make the Model T Ford (Vesna). We note the 1960's for the "first computers and software programs" (Art Radar). Since then, the combination of robotics and art continues to develop and create cutting-edge technology.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1923-1927-ford-model-t1.htm

While people like Walter Benjamin detest the idea of robots, it is hard to say that they aren't vastly improving our way of life, because they are! In a San Francisco art museum, a robots strolls around to "open the museum up to those who cannot attend, including the physically handicapped" (CBS News). Not only can robots vacuum, but they can improve the quality of life by "working in our homes and businesses, making things better and faster and easier (Ackerman). The U.S. Military also relies on robots to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies worldwide (Web Design).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_robot

However, the beauty behind robotics is not that robots are helpful or practical. They are truly an art form that stems from the creative abilities of the artist and evolves over time. As technology continues to innovate, so will the field of robotics. "Using robotics as a medium, today's artists have an unprecedented opportunity..." (Art Bots).

http://makezine.com/2015/04/16/saint-malo-mini-maker-faire-greatest-show-tell-france/

Citations:
Ackerman, Evan. "Care-O-bot 4 Is the Robot Servant We All Want but Probably Can't Afford." N.p., n.d. Web. <http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/home-robots/care-o-bot-4-mobile-manipulator>.

"Art Radar." Art Radar. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://artradarjournal.com/2014/09/05/what-is-robotic-art-art-radar-explains/>.

Lim, Angelica. "What Roboticists Can Learn From Art, and What Artists Can Learn From Robots." N.p., n.d. Web. <http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/diy/what-roboticists-can-learn-from-art>.

"Robots Open up the World of Art." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, n.d. Web. <http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/robots-open-up-the-world-of-art/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics Pt2." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=22&v=oAZ8bo9T_Pk>.

"10 Things We Couldn't Do Without Robots - Web Design Schools Guide."Web Design Schools Guide 10 Things We Couldnt Do Without Robots Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.webdesignschoolsguide.com/library/10-things-we-couldnt-do-without-robots.html>.