Introducing a New Robot Dance Revolution: Choreorobotics

At San Francisco’s Exploratorium, the fusion of dance and robotics is captivating audiences, thanks to the innovative work of choreographer and roboticist Dr. Catie Cuan. As the museum’s Artist-in-Residence, Cuan is pioneering “choreorobotics,” a field that blends human movement with robotic technology to explore the dynamics between people and machines.

Cuan’s journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University all while performing with esteemed institutions like the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This unique combination of engineering expertise and artistic talent positions her at the forefront of choreorobotics. But what is choreorobotics in the first place?

Choreorobotics is the fusion of dance and robotics, where robots are integrated into dance performances to explore human-machine interaction. It combines artistic movement with robotic technology to highlight the capabilities and limitations of machines in mimicking human dance. Simply put, robots will act as a dance partner — or rather you will act as theirs.

How exactly did Cuan get the idea of choreorobotics? Well, she put together her love for robotics and dance as a way to make these AI beings more approachable. She acknowledges that robots are still often perceived as scary by the public and she aims to change this narrative through the lens of dance and innovation — hence, choreorobotics.

One of her notable works, “Breathless: Catie and the Robot,” is a dance duet co-created with UC Berkeley professor Ken Goldberg. The performance features Cuan alongside a Universal Robot UR5e model, highlighting both the capabilities and limitations of robotic movement compared to human dancers. Goldberg notes, “We try our best to make it graceful, but it still falls short of human level. So, the takeaway is don’t be afraid of these robots.”.

Aside from her choreorobotics performance, Cuan has also developed a nine-foot-tall robot resembling an abstract hand for the Exploratorium’s AI exhibit. This robot utilizes artificial intelligence to learn how to be lovable, challenging the conventional use of AI for efficiency and productivity. Cuan explains, “It is just as valid as a pursuit to use AI to create harmony with humans.”.

Cuan’s approach to blending robots with this type of art is certainly interesting. We’ve seen artists do it with robot pets in art and design, so why not in performance art as well? If you’re interested in catching this pioneering art or perhaps in looking at other interesting pieces, you can visit the Exploratorium in San Francisco year-round.