From Cage to Stage: Mapping Human Dance Movements Onto Industrial Robotic Arm Motion

The intersection of dance and robotics within the field of motion research consists of a fascinating artistic expression and technological innovation. Both disciplines leverage the study of movement for distinct purposes: dance delves into the field of emotion transmission, captivating audiences through the expressiveness of the human body, while robotics plans and controls artificial bodies to achieve practical objectives.In this context, we propose a novel approach to generate aesthetic choreographies for a robotic arm. Our methodology departs from the pragmatic nature of industrial tasks commonly assigned to the manipulator and seamlessly integrates the nuanced movements recorded by human dancers. Aesthetic and practical movements are decomposed into their Principal Components (PCs) before being mapped from the human to the robot, filling the gap between the amount of degree of freedom kinematic structures of both actors. This novel approach allows for the harmonious fusion of the precision-driven motions of the robotic arm with the fluent, emotive gestures proper of the dance. The principal components of dancer and robot movements are used to identify the fundamental elements that underlie both the functional purposes of the robotic arm and the artistic expressions of the human. In essence, our study aims to pave the way for new investigations both for dance and robotics, unlocking new possibilities for the convergence of art and technology. By bringing together the elegance of dance and the precision of robotics, we envision a future where machines not only perform tasks efficiently but also engage and inspire through the beauty and expressiveness of their movements.(1)