AI-Powered Art: The Influence of Robots on Creative Expression

While artists can work with AI as a tool, a collaborator, or a muse, when a robot is added to the mix, artists are defining what role the robot will play in their creative practice. For some, like Emanuel Gollob, his robot synchronizes with the observer’s brainwaves and helps them “do nothing” and daydream. Artist Alex Reben uses robots and AI as executors of his conceptual works, a means to an end that couldn't have been achieved without the use of this technology. Catie Cuan develops interactions with robots, by first designing the robot to move and feel in a way that complements her vision, and then the way she and the audience experience that interaction builds further on her creative voice. And BREAKFAST transforms real-time data from the natural world to tell stories through his kinetic artworks. By understanding how artists use robots, we can learn more about the cultural impact of using robots for certain experiences. We can also teach the public about robotics and AI, and we can inspire innovative applications in other fields.