As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) has been the standout trend in the technology landscape. The phenomenon of ChatGPT has captured the interest of millions of individuals and corporations, showcasing the power of generative algorithms. However, recent advancements in technology go beyond AI, as robotics continues to gain ground. From Boston Dynamics' acrobatic robots to the latest development in South Korea, where a humanoid robot has made its debut as a conductor for the National Orchestra, the intersection of robotics and AI is pushing boundaries in unexpected ways.
Ever 6 Takes the Stage:
In front of an audience of over 1,200 spectators, Ever 6, a humanoid robot developed by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, gracefully bows to the crowd before orchestrating the performance. This remarkable event took place at the National Theater of Korea, featuring a repertoire of traditional Korean musical instruments. In a video capturing the moment, Ever 6 flawlessly directed three pieces solo and collaborated with the guest conductor, Choi Soo-yeoul, who expressed astonishment at the robot's precision.
According to Reuters, Choi remarked, "The movements are very detailed. The robot was able to present such detailed movements, much better than I had imagined." The current artistic director of the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, involved in the project with the Institute of Industrial Technology, praised Ever 6's capabilities. However, he lamented the robot's inability to listen and interpret the sounds and performance of the orchestra members, as it currently lacks an artificial intelligence system for such analysis.
The Process Behind Ever 6:
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology captured Choi's conducting movements for the four selected pieces. They then replicated those movements with utmost precision in Ever 6, assessing the robot's articulation of its arms, neck, and even shoulders. The aim of this project was to showcase the robot's ability to mimic human conducting gestures.
Future Prospects:
While Ever 6's performance is undeniably impressive, the limitations of its current capabilities are evident. The absence of an AI system to analyze and interpret music hampers the robot's potential for deeper musical understanding. However, this demonstration serves as a promising stepping stone for future advancements in combining robotics and AI in the realm of music.