The Machine Orchestra brings together custom-built robotic musical instruments and human performers with modified instruments, unique musical interfaces, and hemispherical speaker-pods. The ensemble combines KarmetiK’s international lineup of artists and musicians with students in the Music Technology & Technical Direction programs at the California Institute of the Arts.

Continuing to innovate and take inspiration from nature, Festo has launched their Bionic Learning Network and in doing so shows off their new AquaPenguin and AirPenguin technology. The technology and lessons learned are also being applied in other forms such as architecture and manufacturing.

Biologically inspired, Festo’s Airics Arm is modeled after a human arm and is capable of the same movement patterns. The arm is powered by 30 pneumatic muscles attached to an artificial skeletal system. Capable of lifting weights and writing, the bionic arm offers a glimpse into the future of prosthetic devices.

Scientists at Calit2 have equipped a robot modeled after the famed theoretical physicist with specialized software that allows it to interact with humans in a relatively natural, conversational way. The so-called “Einstein Robot,” which was designed by Hanson Robotics of Dallas, Texas, recognizes a number of human facial expressions and can respond accordingly, making it an unparalleled tool for understanding how both robots and humans perceive emotion, as well as a potential platform for teaching, entertainment, fine arts and even cognitive therapy.

AquaJelly, designed by Festo, is an artificial autonomous jellyfish. Like its sibling AirJelly, AquaJelly moves using its eight tentacles for propulsion and emulates the jellyfish in both its movement and behavior.

AirJelly, a remote-controlled air-bound jellyfish, uses eight tentacles to move around. The AirJelly is powered by two lithium-ion polymer batteries and maintains weightlessness via its helium-filled balloon.

Randy Pausch, professor at CMU, shares his life experiences and lessons in an inspirational and moving lecture.

“Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.”
-Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch’s Website

Daniel Wilson speaks at Google as part of the Google Author Series about his book called How to Survive a Robot Uprising.

I went and asked a lot of robotics researchers (roboticists) how they would escape from their robots. The number one reply was, “I would walk away slowly.”
-Daniel H. Wilson