Robot Aesthetics: Practice-Based Research in Robotic Art and Performance

This paper considers art-based research practice in robotics through a discussion of our course and relevant research projects in autonomous art. The undergraduate course integrates basic concepts of computer science, robotic art, live performance and aesthetic theory. Through practice-based research that includes devised performance and art practice, we demonstrate how art-based research in the humanities can help bridge the gap between artistic practice and engineering. Given the proliferation of interactive, systems-based art works and the continued interest in human-centered factors in robotics research (such as aesthetics, culture and perception), we believe robot aesthetics is an important area for research in contemporary aesthetics.