Abstract (short paper)

Keywords: Computer-supported Expression, Robotic Art

This paper discusses two projects on human-machine collaborative expression. From technical and artistic perspectives, we discuss how robotic tools for art can extend the human creative process and what impacts they may bring to the users of the tools. The discussion focuses on the interplay between computational intervention and the embodied nature of physical expression – reshaping the behavioral and cognitive traits of the users throughout the course of human-machine interaction.

• Sang-won Leigh is an assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. He received his PhD from MIT Media Lab. His research and art practice focuses on robotic and computational tools that work together with human users, with technology essentially becoming a natural extension of our hands. This way, he challenges the fear and criticism around AI and automation that they replace human endeavors, by showing how symbiotic machines can unlock new human explorations. The impact of his research spans from publications in top tier HCI conferences and journals such as CHI, TEI, NIME, ISEA, Leonardo and IEEE Pervasive Computing, to design awards and art exhibitions. Several of his works were awarded the Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, and have been exhibited at SIGGRAPH ASIA, CHI, TEI art galleries. His work A Flying Pantograph was included in the Otherly Space / Knowledge exhibition at the Asia Culture Center.
• Harshit Agrawal, Adobe Design Lab, Bangalore, India
• Abhinandan Jain, MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA, USA