What kind of robots does an animator /  jazz musician / roboticist make? Playful, reactive, curious ones. Guy Hoffman shows demo film of his family of unusual robots -- including two musical bots that like to jam with humans.

Robots with "soul"

Robots designed to move, improvise, and react like living performers create deeper, more engaging connections with people. Inspired by animation and method acting, robots that mirror human rhythm and risk-taking are viewed as helpful teammates, not just machines. One experiment even found people called an adventurous robot "he" or "she," while a calculated one remained an "it." As robots become part of daily life, their ability to move and react with emotion may matter more than flawless efficiency.

Robots Thrive When They Behave Like Musicians, Not Chess Players

TEDx

entertainment